Desmond O'Keefe

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by J. A. "Andy" Chacon on July 9, 2011:

Desmond O'Keefe, Jr. Born April 27, 1926 -- Died July 6, 2011 Desmond "Des" O'Keefe, Jr. was born in Ohio on 27 April 1926 but was appointed to West Point from the 1st Congressional District of Michigan. His West Point classmates recall: "Des, an Army Brat, came to West Point after serving in the Infantry and was sufficiently enthused to undertake the five year program. A shanty Irishman with a ready laugh, he found time for a trip to Paris during cow summer to further the liberal side of his education. His interests were mainly centered on New York weekends and devoting a few minutes daily to sleeping." During his cadet days Des went out for Track all four years and earned Numerals and a Monogram in the sport. He was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Des went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division in Korea where he served from 1952 to 1953 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1959 Des was assigned to the Air Reconnaissance Support Company where he served until 1961 when he was selected to participate as an Exchange Officer with the 1st Battalion of the British Army in Germany. Next Des was assigned to Military Assistance Advisory Group, Republic of China a position he held until 1964. From 1965 to 1967 Des was assigned to the Recruiting Main Station in Syracuse and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Next Des received orders to Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam where he served until 1968 and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Des's last military assignment was as Commanding Officer of the Training Battalion at Fort Ord, California a position he held until 1971 when he retired disabled as a Major. Des and his wife Ann made their home in Treasure Island, Florida.

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