March 2, 1967
John P. O'Donnell
Marine Pfc. John P. O'Donnell, 19, son of John A. and Mary M. Barrett O'Donnell of 232 Curry Place, has been killed in action in Vietnam, where he had been stationed little more than a month.
The O'Donnell's were notified this morning that their son was killed near Quang Pri by multiple fragmentation wounds while on an operation. Pfc. O'Donnell had been serving with a weapons division in Vietnam since February 1, assigned to Co. L. 1st Platoon, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Battalion.
A June, 1966 graduate of Ursuline High School, Pfc. O'Donnell joined the Marines in August. He was a member of St. Edward Church and the YMCA here. He was born in Youngstown April 7, 1947.
Besides his parents, he leaves two sisters, Margaret and Ann, and two brothers, Thomas and Robert, all at home; and his grandmother, Mrs. William E. O'Donnell of Youngstown.
Funeral services will be held here later this month.
Michael Clarke
semper fi
David Novak
How well I knew Pat is a little foggy after all these years. He apparently heeded the call and enlisted soon after graduation. Ironic I would follow him and be assigned to Delta 1/3/3, a brother battalion in Quang Tri Province at the DMZ. I lasted 4 months and 6 days before exiting, but survived. The RVN experience set many on a straight and resolute path, where we developed a special brotherhood, where we like to keep to ourselves except when we're called to support each other. How unfortunate that Pat and 57,000 others never proceeded to make a mark on life except in the memories of others. We enjoy life today as a result of the sacrifices of those who preceded us. They stepped forward just as others did before them and after them.
Rosemary Stefan (Giannini)
I would like to pay a special tribute on this Veteran's Day to Pat O'Donnell who unselfishly joined the United States Marine Corps during the Viet Nam War. He loved his country and he was proud to be a Marine.He died for a cause in which he believed so he did not die in vain. The Marine Corps honored home by escorting his body back home, standing guard at his funeral, giving him a gun salute at the cemetery, playing taps and offering his family assistance in any way they could have been of help.I will always remember him as being a giving, brave and loving man. May he rest in peace!
John Oleksa
There is a picture of Pat in the entrance of the Mahoning County Courthouse. IT IS HIS HIGH SCHOOL PICTURE!!! What a brave young man. We have had 50 years since UHS graduation to build families, careers, memories, and we have all these things because of men like this who sacrificed their lives. A lot of us have Grandchildren older now than Pat was when he died. THINK ABOUT IT. Some of us are rich, some of us are poor, some of us are lame and some are strong.....but we are ALIVE and owe God our love and praise!!! Rest in peace Pat and THANK YOU!
Jack Wilster
Loss of life at any age for any reason is tragic. I remember my friend Pat for his smile and his love of running. I am forever in his debt as well as all the others that served that we can enjoy our kids and grandkids. Thanks, Pat RIP.
Nicholas Srnec
Rosemary Stefan (Giannini)
Rest in Peace, Pat. Always loved, never forgotten!!!
Matt Giambattista
RIP John. Thank you for your sacrifice for us.
Andrew Bezek
if memory serves me correctly " what greater deed then for a man to give up his life for his country" PFC Jonh O Donnell I salute you
SEMPER FI
Jack Wilster
RIP Pat, thank you for your sacrifice.