O'Brien, Patrick

Dr Patrick O'Brien

Born in 1922 in Glasgow, Scotland, Dr O'Brien was the son of a doctor. Dr O'Brien went to medical school in 1939 but suspended his studies a year later to become a fighter pilot with the Royal Air Force following the outbreak of WW11. He flew Spitfires off an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean during the siege of Malta.

Dr O'Brien Returned to his studies after the war and qualified as a medical officer with the RAAF.

Patrick is most notable for conducting the first high-altitude explosive decompression test, a milestone in development of pressurized flight suits for jet pilots.

Dr. Patrick O'Brien passed away in 1988 and is survived by his wife, seven children and 23 grandchildren.