Patrick J. Byrnes Jr.

Patrick J. Byrnes, Jr. (“Bud”) was killed in action at the age of 23 on August 31, 1943 in Papua New Guinea. Seventy-four years after his death the United States Army will return Bud’s remains home to Stamford for burial with full military honors.

Bud’s original obituary was published in the Stamford Advocate in 1943 and read as follows: “Second Lieut. Patrick J. Byrnes, Jr., Army Air Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Byrnes of 63 Clinton Ave., who had been reported ‘missing in action’ in the Southwest Pacific area, was today reported as ‘killed in action on Aug. 31.’ Adjutant Gen. Uho, in a telegram to Mrs. Byrnes, said: ‘The Secretary of War desires that I render his deep sympathy to you in the loss of your son, Second Lieut. Patrick J. Byrnes, Jr., previously reported missing since Aug. 31. Correct report states that he was killed in action on Aug. 31 in Southwest Pacific area. Letter follows.’ Byrnes who was 23, was born in Stamford. He was graduated from St. John’s Parochial School and St. Basil’s Preparatory School, and was employed by the American Cyanamid, Co. He enlisted as an aviation cadet in April 14, 1942, and received his wings on March 11, this year, at Hondo Army Air Field, Texas, in aerial navigation. While at school he was outstanding in basketball. He had been stationed at Davis-Montham Field. Tucson, Arizona, until assigned abroad. The first telegram received from the War Department stated that Lieut. Byrnes had been missing since Aug. 31. It was received on Sept. 9.”

Bud is survived by his oldest sister, Capt. Anna Byrnes of Stamford, his sister-in law, Rosemarie Byrnes of Stamford, and nieces and nephews who never got to meet him; Patrick Hughes of Lake Oswego, OR, Michael Hughes of Moorpark, CA, Peter Hughes of Glen Ridge, NJ, William Hughes of Las Vegas, NV, Mary Parker of Amarillo, TX, Gregory Byrnes of Stratham, NH and Anmarie Galgano of South Salem, NY. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Elizabeth Bennett of Stamford, Rita Hughes of Tulsa, OK, and his brother, William Byrnes of Stamford.

The Byrnes family would like to thank and acknowledge William Cox, Senior Mortuary Affairs Specialist, US Army, Captain Patrick Montes, Casualty Assistance Officer, US Army National Guard, and Chris Farrugio with Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home for their kindness and commitment to ensuring Bud’s safe and respectful return to his final resting place.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, August 19 at 10:30 am at the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic St. in Stamford. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 124 Rock Rimmon Rd., Stamford. There are no calling hours.