“A True Blue American”

Mr. Driscoll is a US military veteran. His service to our country was unique. He served in first the Navy and then the Army.
When pat was 17, he was working at a service station with a friend. They were listening to the radio as they were working when the news broke that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Mr. Driscoll and his friend turned to each other and said: “Let’s go!”. The young men went to enlist. “Patriotism was alive and true back in those days.”, says Mr. Driscoll. “You had to take it to the enemy or be prepared to fight on your soil.”
Because pat was only 17, he had to have written permission from his parents. His father was an Army man, so his approval was more comfortable to receive than his very reluctant mother’s. Pat was one of eleven kids, and he describes his mother as being “next to God.” He didn’t pass the physical to enlist. He was rejected due to an inguinal hernia that he had since he was a baby. The military agreed to enlist him if he had surgery to repair a hernia. 30 days after the surgery, Pat had gained 45 pounds, and he officially enlisted in the US Navy.
He was first assigned to help finish an aircraft carrier, the USS Cowpens (CVL-25). Pat wrapped the steam pipes in asbestos to protect sailors from being burned. When the ship launched, Pat was a “plank holder,” a term for a sailor that not only helped to build and finish the boat but also set sail on the ship. Pat also served on the USS Marcus Island and the USS Iowa for 13 major battle engagements. He was wounded in combat in the South Pacific during the Battle of Leyte. Japanese aircraft attacked the ship in a kamikaze mission. The blast from one of the planes crashing into a gun mount slammed Pat into the bulkhead. Pat injured his back but managed to help others get below deck. Shrapnel from the aircraft led to a gangrene infection. Pat was sent home on the USS Iowa. Before leaving for home, Pat was awarded the Purple Heart. After he recovered, Pat was declared unfit for overseas duty for two years and given a desk job. He was a Petty Officer, 3rd class overseeing drafts and applications for schooling. Pat was one of five brothers that served in World War II. All made it home safely!
After World War II, Pat continued to serve in the Naval Active Reserve even though he had enough credits for discharge. A colonel in the Army Reserve wanted Pat to fill a position. Pat had to enlist again, this time in the Army! In the Army, Pat was called to Camp Rucker, Alabama to support the efforts of the Korean War. He went on to Fort Richardson and Elmendorf AFB in Alaska where he spent three years as the Ordinance Supply Officer. Pat ended his military career for the sake of his family. Moving around had affected the children’s schooling, and he thought it would be best to settle down.
When asked why he remained in the military when he could have left, Mr. Driscoll said, “I was glad to have done it. I knew what might happen but I signed the papers, and I did the duty for my country and my family. Always remember, freedom is not free.”