Vietnam national service conscript – personal particulars form for Patrick O'Hara

Personal Particulars form for Vietnam conscript Patrick O'Hara.

Transcript

Page 1

[Heading:] PERSONAL PARTICULARS

Surname[:] O’HARA.

Other Names (in full)[:] PATRICK HARRINGTON

Army Number[:] 3791411

Corps[:] RAA

Identity Card Number[:] 37911

Date of Birth[:] 1.12.46

Place of Birth[:] KILMORE VIC

Religion [:] RC [Roman Catholic]

If Will lodged and where[:] YES CARO

Complexion[:] FAIR

Marks or Scars [nothing written]

Hair[:] BROWN

Eyes[:] BROWN

Height[:] 5 9 ½

Weight (lbs)[:] 9 18

Physical Disabilities and Special Characteristics (eg, impediment of speech, allergies) [nothing written]

Marital Status[:] S. [single]

Blood Groups[:] B. Pos [positive]

Signature[:] P. A O’Hara.

[A black and white photograph of a young man of a fair complexion with dark straight hair standing against a height measurement of roughly 6’, holding a card which reads "3791411 O'HARA P.H."]

Date of Photograph

19 APRIL 67

About this record

This is the 'Personal Particulars' form of Patrick Harrington O'Hara. Patrick was conscripted for national service in 1966 and served in Vietnam.

A conscript’s story

Between 1965 and 1972, close to 64,000 Australian men were called up for national service, a scheme of compulsory selective conscription. National servicemen were chosen by ballot, a random system of selection based on birth dates. They were eligible for deployment overseas, including to the conflict in Vietnam.

Patrick O'Hara was selected for national service when his birth date, 1 December 1946, was drawn in the 4th national service ballot held on 9 September 1966. He was selected for 'special overseas service' and was sent to Vietnam in November 1967. It was his first trip overseas.

Patrick was nervous, excited and afraid of what awaited him. His mother could not bring herself to see him off. His father, who had served in World War II, was opposed to the Vietnam War, but he didn't mention it as his son departed or throughout his military service.

Patrick, who was unmarried and had worked as a public servant before he was called up, did not seek an exemption from national service (for example, on the basis of marital status). He completed his initial 10-week training course, followed by an additional 3 months of corps training.

Patrick served with the 4th Field Regiment as a signalman in Vietnam for 6 months. He was officially discharged 12 months after his return from active service on 18 April 1969. After his discharge, he trained as a teacher.

Acknowledgments

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