OBITUARY

MICHAEL FRANCIS MCGILLICUDDY JR

 

Mike passed away June 18^th 2003 at St Anthony’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida.  He was 74, born March 3^rd, 1929 in Long Island City, New York.  Mike entered the service in 1947.  His initial assignment after Jump School and Pathfinder School was with the 11^th Airborne Division Pathfinder Platoon.  In 1951 he volunteered for duty in Korea and was assigned to the 187^th Airborne RCT Pathfinder Team.  Upon his return to the states he volunteered for Special Forces and was assigned to 77^th Special Forces Group.  He then transferred to the 508^th Airborne RCT with duty in Japan.  The 508^th returned to the states and was deactivated.  Mike then joined the 101^st Abn Div before transferring to 15^th SFOD, which was later reorganized as 1^st Special Forces Group.  Mike served on “White Star” in Laos and multiple tours in Vietnam. He also played a key part in the movie “Merrills Marauders” with Jeff Chandler.  He also served with the 5^th Special Forces Group in Vietnam and then PCS’s back to the 1^st Special Forces Group where he would retire in 1968.  Mike’s awards and decorations are numerous and include the Bronze Star w/”V” Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, CIB 2^nd Award, Master Parachutists Badge and the Pathfinder Torch. After retirement he was employed with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service on Okinawa for 20 years. He then worked as Manager of the American Legion.  His wife, Haruko of Seminole, Florida; daughter, Patricia R. Lord of Seminole, Florida; sister, Kay Braud of Roger, Arkansas; and two grandchildren, Kassy and Keith Lord of Seminole, survive him.

 

Photo Submitted by FHFinFl

Remembering Irish Mike

 

June 26^th, 2003

  AAR Mike McGillicuddy’s Memorial Service

 The memorial service was conducted at the Cavalry Catholic Cemetery in St Petersburg, Florida on the 24^th of June 2003.  In attendance:

 Chapter 43 of the Special Forces Association:

            John Eldridge and Kumi

            John Fryer

            Hugh Hubbard

            Jack Smythe

            Pat Quinlan & long time friend of Mike: Cloyd George

            Ron Wingo

            Jake Jacobson

 Chapter 44

            Wilbur Donaldson and Cathie

Chapter 21

            Frank Fowler

            Duane Vierk

            Stanley Hayakawa

            Jan Janosik and Josie

Chapter 40

            Gerry Sharp

            Mal Mchoul

            Ralph Ormes

 In addition there were many members of both sides of the family.

The 159th Aviation Regiment from Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia provided the honor guard.  In addition to Taps, bagpipe music was also provided.  After the ceremony a reception was held at Mikes home.  Shortly there after an informal wake ceremony was held at Tucson’s Bar by selected individuals who expressed anonymity.

 Submitted by Jake