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<p><em>George Losere O’Grady Jr.</em> died peacefully on April 1, 2020 in Walsenburg, CO. George was born in New York City, NY on November 18, 1934 to Dr. George and Helen O’Grady. </p>
<p>He spent his childhood living at numerous military posts with his parents, his brother and sister. Their father was a U.S. Army oral surgeon whose career took the family to Heidelberg, Germany during George’s high school years. While in Germany, their family was very involved in equestrian activities, and George rode in competitive horse shows, winning gold and silver awards. He attended Braden’s Prep School in Cornwall, NY after graduating from Department of Defense High School in Germany. </p>
<p>In 1953 George entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. When he arrived at West Point, he was already an accomplished equestrian rider and earned the position of riding West Point’s mascot, the Army mule. He rode for Army football games and ceremonial events, including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Inaugural Parade. George commented that he “always had the best seat in the house.” A proud member of Company F-1, he graduated from West Point in 1957 with a commission in the Field Artillery. After completing the basic Artillery course, George went to flight school at Fort Rucker, AL and went on to fly the Huey and Cobra helicopters in his career. Over two tours in Vietnam he earned numerous awards and decorations, both as Captain O’Grady, who commanded the “Cobras” gun platoon of the 114th Assault Helicopter Company on his first tour in Vietnam, and as Major O’Grady in 1969 commanding B Troop, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment on his second tour. He was a helicopter pilot extraordinaire and was lauded by many of his fellow pilots and enlisted men for his skills and his bravery in action to support ground operations and to keep all his officers and soldiers alive. Some of his exploits are chronicled in the book <em>Knights over the Delta: An Oral History of the 114th Aviation Company in Vietnam, 1963-1972</em>, edited by Steve Sibbens. His gun platoon’s superb combat performance led the Army to name the Cobra helicopter after them. At the end of his second assignment in Vietnam, George was honored at a luncheon with General Westmoreland so that the general could meet “The Warrior of the 1st Cavalry Division.” His combat experience and engineering talent allowed him to draft the Army’s first field manual on aerial gunnery, help set up the first instrumented helicopter firing range at Fort Rucker and establish the first door gunner training program. Additionally, George innovated many modifications to the existing hardware on the helicopters to increase the safety, protection and accuracy of helicopter cannons and rocketry. His technical and engineering expertise was legendary in the Army in creating modifications on both the Huey and Cobra to develop and enable the Army’s Attack Helicopter Program. During his career he logged 5,000 flight hours, of which 1,900 were in combat. George retired as a lieutenant colonel after a distinguished 22-year career.</p>
<p>George is the most highly decorated member of the West Point Class of 1957, with three Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, 64 Air Medals, the Air Medal with “V” device, two Presidential Unit Citations and the Army Master Aviator Badge among his awards and decorations.</p>
<p>After his Army service George joined the Bell Helicopter Corporation and the DIC Corporation and led the building of the 2.75-inch rocket for the Cobra helicopter, among other achievements.</p>
<p>Lieutenant Colonel O’Grady (Retired) was recognized by the United States Army Aviation Hall of Fame and inducted in 2001 for his contributions to Army aviation and his advancements in the development of the attack helicopter and its weaponry. </p>
<p>On October 4, 2019 George was also honored by the Colorado Senate and was presented a commendation citing his leadership, years of service and commitment. </p>
<p>George was married to Eleanor Maegat O’Grady for 22 years and divorced in 1980. They had four children together.</p>
<p>George and Betty DeLong married on December 22, 1991 and lived on their 320-acre ranch in Saint Jo, TX for several years. He gained three stepchildren with this marriage. George built a beautiful log home here. The only part of the home that George did not personally complete was the foundation, explaining that if you can read a book you can do anything. He raised Arabian horses and Beefmaster cattle there among other pursuits. They moved to their Killballyowen ranch in Boncarbo, CO in 2000, the name showing George’s pride in his Irish family heritage. Here George’s Arabian horses gained the company of Betty’s prize-winning llamas. George stayed active here caring for the ranch, buying Mercedes-Benz cars (especially convertibles), enjoying occasional visits of family and friends, and spending the days enjoying Colorado with their collies and Toy Australian Shepherds. He always had a smile and a tale to tell.</p>
<p>George was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maureen, brother Neil and his youngest son, Christopher Thomas.</p>
<p>George is survived by his wife Betty; his three children: George Losere III of Santa Fe, NM; Kevin John of Scottsdale, AZ; and Sheila Kathleen (Tom) Nicholson of Louisville, KY; his three stepchildren: Carola (John) Scharlach of Waxahachie, TX; Debi Wilson of Chouteau, OK; and Michael Wilson of Gravette, AR; and his five grandchildren. </p>
<p>George will be missed by all. There was an immediate burial at Pikes Peak National Cemetery on April 7, 2020, with a full military honors ceremony held September 4, 2021.</p>
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