Jerry T. O'Brien

O’Brien, Jerry T, CWO-2 USMC Ret., 81, of Surprise, AZ passed away quietly on August 15, 2012. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country honorably for 27 years. He did several tours throughout the world during his service to his country. Jerry began flying at 16 years of age in 1947. He spent 8 years in the Marine Corps as a chief scout and sniper; and then transferred to Marine Corps Aviation in 1955. He flew as a Radar Operator in the F3D (EF 10B) which was a night fighter at that time. When the aircraft was reconfigured, he transferred to Electronic Warfare flying in the same aircraft (2,000 hours total). He flew as a Reconnaissance Systems Officer in Vietnam in the RF-4B Phantom II (1,000 hours) and also flew in the EA-6A Electric Intruder as an Electronic Counter Measures Officer (400 hours) and in various other aircraft. He was a Commericial Pilot, multi-engine, Instrument Rating (2900 hours). He also wrote a History of Marine Corps Aviation Reconnaissance from 1940-2000, which was entitled Top Secret.

Jerry wrote several other books, over the course of his life, on various subjects including one on the infantry during the last days of the Korean War (The Raw Edge of Hell); a story about a Squadron of Corsairs that disappeared in the South Pacific (Sea Eagle Down); and an adventure novel concerning the First Crusade entitled Gods of War. Jerry also wrote a monthly newsletter called Mestango for the Mustangs (Chapter 1) for 10 years; an organization for enlisted who became commissioned officers. Jerry always said he didn’t write to make money on his books, but for the sheer pleasure of others to enjoy.

He also was a member of several organizations including the 1st Marine Division Association (Los Angeles County Chapter – life member), Korean War Vets (West Valley Chapter), Marine Corps Aviation Association (life member), VMF 531 Fighter Attack Squadron (life member), VMCJ 1-2-3, Flying Leatherneck – Historical Foundation, MCAAS Miramar, Marine Corps Aviation Recon Association, Quiet Birdmen, the Elks (life member, 47 years) and VFW (life member, 48 years). Jerry has now left us to join his family, many friends and buddies who have gone before him.

He was the beloved husband of Jean O’Brien for almost 63 years; survived by his sons, John (Debbie) of Coeur d’Alene, ID and Steven of Surprise, AZ; daughters Cheryl (Acel) Fisher of Tucson, AZ; Cynthia (John) Vetter of Mission Viego, CA; Carolyn (Nick) Castro of Anaheim, CA; preceded in death, son Timothy (Ruth) of Litchfield Park, AZ and daughter Cathryn O’Brien-Smith of Orange, CA; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; several nephews and nieces; many friends and loved by all. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2021, at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ at 11 AM. Please visit Jerry’s online memorial, www.surprisefuneralcare.com (623) 546-8002. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Valley or The Wounded Warriors.