Dear Golden Eagles,

It is with sadness that I report that Colonel Eugene R. Brady, USMC (Ret.) made his last take-off on Thursday, June 9, 2011 in Irvine, CA.  Four of his six children; Janet Brady, Eugene R. Brady, Jr., Jennifer B. Andrews, and Jeffrey Brady; 11 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren survive him. A home memorial/reception will be held on June 18th from noon until 5PM at 56 Canyon Ridge, Irvine, CA. Internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.

Colonel Brady joined the Marine Corps in 1946, entered flight training in ’49, and gained his commission and wings in December ’50. He joined VMF-122, then VMF-223 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC before being transferred to VMF-311 where he served in Korea flying F9F-2’s in combat. From late ’52 until December ’60 Gene served in a variety of billets flying props as a Training Command instructor, transports while an aide-de-Camp to Commanding General, 1st Marine Air Wing, and other utility aircraft while in staff assignments. He returned to the fighter community in VMF(AW)-542 and served as the XO from ’62-’63. He made cruises aboard both USS Ranger and USS Lexington during this tour.

After a year at George Washington University to attain his BS degree, Gene found himself among a number of Marine aviators asked to switch to helicopters to meet the need for leadership in that community. Gene made the switch late in ’67, and in October ’68 was assigned to Marine Air Group 16 at Marble Mountain, Vietnam flying CH-46’s. Following a one-month hospitalization to recover from wounds received in action, Gene took command of HMM-364 “Purple Foxes” in January ’69. A fierce warrior and highly respected leader, Col Brady was awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and 51 Air medals while flying 427 combat missions in the CH-46. He was proudest of the opportunities he had to successfully complete a number of emergency evacuations of wounded Marines from Landing Zones under fire.

Col Brady had six aviation commands during his illustrious career, culminating with his command of Marine Air Group-16, MCAS Tustin and MCAF Camp Pendleton CA in’74-’75. In the decade following his tour in Vietnam, in addition to his command tour, Gene attended the Army War College, earned a MS degree, served on the Headquarters Marine Corps staff, and served as a special assistant to Commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea, and as an advisor to the Korean Commandant of Marines. Colonel Brady retired in October 1980.

“Papa Fox” was proud of being a Golden Eagle, and although he was already in much pain from his illness, he temporarily increased his intake of pain medications so that he could attend the Pensacola Reunion May 1-3.  He attended all events, and was thankful to be with his comrades one last time.

We have lost another multi-war hero, and a compassionate, inspirational leader. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot