Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

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.

_{(https://www.naa.gov.au/learn/learning-resources/learning-resource-themes/war/vietnam-war/vietnam-national-service-conscript-personal-particulars-form-patrick-ohara)}