Stories of Rev. Fr. Pat McCormick, Catholic Priest, Phan Pang

Some of you might remember Fr. Pat McCormick, a Catholic Priest, attached to  No. 2 Squadron, Australian Air Force, at Phan Rang.

Pat used to say up to fourteen Masses each Sunday, mostly for American troops...visiting them by helicopter and using the floor of the chopper as the altar.

He also started an orphanage beyond the perimeter of the base and was a well-known scrounger/chopper of wood/supplier of material and general carer for the children.  

A few of us, who went to schools with Pat are trying to have a niche established in the Vietnam section of the Australian War memorial to recognise the work that Pat peformed to make life easier for the troops and the victims of the war.

Pat died earlier this year as a result of his experiences in Vietnam.  Maybe someone has a tale to tell about him. We would appreciate it. A million thanks if you can.

Phil Cullen at ccullen@ozemail.com.au or at 41 Cominan Avenue, Banora Point, Australia 2486