TERRY O'CONNELL

Commander, USCG (Ret.)

National President

Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association

2021

   I started my military career by enlisting in the USNR in 1959 and attended recruit training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. In 1960, I transferred to the USCG as a Seaman Apprentice. I went to boot camp again, in Company B-44.  

   My first assignment was to the CGC McCulloch (WAVP-386) where I served nearly 5 years as a Quartermaster before transfer to the CGC Blackhaw (WAGL 390) in Hawaii. My next tour was on the CGC Basswood (WLB 388), also in Hawaii. I left the Basswood as a QM1 in 1967 for OCS and then, as a freshly minted Ensign, I was sent to the CGC Hornbeam (WLB 394) at Woods Hole, MA.  

   My next assignment was to Vietnam after completing COIN-SERE training at Alameda, CA. Upon arrival in DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, I was assigned to the XO position on CGC Pt. Orient (WPB 82319) followed by a transfer to Commanding Officer, CGC Point Arden (WPB 82309). 

   My remaining career consisted of roles at CGC9 (oan); XO CGC Sweetgum (WLB 309); Commander, CG Group Santa Barbara and O in C PSD Santa Barbara; CO CGC Citrus (WLB 300), Administrative Division Officer, Support Center Kodiak; CGHQ (NP), CGHQ Chief (GNSR-2) and finally, retirement from CGD2, Chief, Aids to Navigation and Waterways Management Branch. My combat related awards include a Bronze Star Medal with V device, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.  

  As a Life Member of the CGCVA, I served two terms as a National Trustee, two terms as National Vice President, under the leadership of National President Paul Scott LM and a term as National Vice President with NationalPresident Steve Petersen, LM.