O'BRIEN, William Christopher
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Known as:
Uncle Bill
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit / Base:
3 Commando Bde. Air Squadron
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Service Number:
PO30684R
Honours & Awards:
Sergeant William O'Brien was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation
During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green Sergeant O'Brien piloted a Gazelle helicopter of M Flight, 3rd Commando Brigade Air Squadron. For two days his helicopter conducted supply and casualty evacuation operations, often under enemy fire. With his Flight Commander he also took part in 17 night flying sorties to evacuate wounded personnel and resupply vital ammunition. At times these sorties necessitated flying forward to company lines in the heat of battle and in appalling weather. The conspicuous gallantry and cool professionalism displayed on all these occasions was superb and Sergeant O'Brien made an outstanding contribution. His expertise and competence as a pilot has been widely admired and recognised.
- 2008 commissioned into the Royal Navy Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Served in Afghanistan.
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