Colonel Eugene “Papa Fox” Brady


March 27, 1928 June 9, 2011
Marine Officer, Naval Aviator, Mentor and Friend

… “Call me Gene”…
Born and named, Eugene Ralph Brady; referred to by sons and daughters as Dad and Daddy; officially titled, Colonel Eugene R. Brady, USMC; addressed by Purple Foxes as Colonel Brady, Swift Six, Skipper, Sir, Papa Fox, Uncle Gene and eventually at his request as…Gene.
Whichever was used, be assured that it was with respect and admiration.
It’s unfortunate that there was not enough time for more people to have addressed him by any of these names, and by doing so surely to have experienced his wisdom and sense of humor. With luck, maybe those of us who fell under his guidance will emulate some of his traits, thus enriching our world as Gene did for others for so many years.
Respectfully submitted,
Alan and Judy Robillard

Thanks for the rather sad news about this hero. He was a legend in my mind and I only knew him as the CO of 364. Saw him often mainly in the O club in DaNang. But his reputation preceded him because of guys like you and Hondo who revered his leadership during tough, tough times. I can assure you absolutely no one recalls or reveres any squadron CO I was ever attached to. Brady was special…so he can be my hero too.

Jim Berg

A Purple Fox cannot describe his wealth in amounts of money; rather he should consider himself a rich man for having known
Col. Gene Brady.  Serving with him, or just getting to know him (and Ginny) is beyond earthly value. He was a true gentleman and a remarkable leader to all of his Foxes, enlisted or commissioned.  To say we will miss him is an understatement, our lives have changed with his passing. We will forever honor his memories and surely the stories of his exploits will continue to grow.  We will all meet again someday, hopefully in the same place with Col. Brady and Ginny. Until then we will carry his memory as we do for so many others who have gone before us.
Semper Fi
Jim King HMM-364, 68-69

I never served under Col Brady. I only felt as if I did. I joined the squadron shortly after he left, but his presence was still there, as I am sure it is there even now as the Foxes continue to excel in Afghanistan. His style of command was the standard by which all others were measured. I feel honored and privileged to have known him and to be called his friend. He was the most beloved Marine I have ever known. Many people over the years have asked me what in the world possessed me to volunteer to go from flying Cobras to flying the H-46 with the Purple Foxes. I don't really have an answer, but I know it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Our world is a lesser place without Gene Brady, but that big squadron in the sky is better for his presence there.
Semper Fi Gene.

John Pipa

Remembering….
'The World has lost one of its finest citizens' and
'The Purple Foxes have lost, Their Generational Leader'.
Happy Trails, Col. Brady, until we fly again.

Sgt. Larry 'L3' Lawrence, Purple Fox 1969-70

Thank you for the wonderful eulogy to Colonel Brady. I don't think I ever knew a person like him. In any position that I found myself over the years, I tried to perform like I think he would have. To say the least he was a unique person, a one in a million. He really made you feel that he cared about you and he didn't ask you to do anything he wouldn't do himself. I guess that was one of the things that was so impressive about him. He thought more of us than himself. He wasn't using us as stepping stones to make a name for himself.
Just knowing he was alive and on this earth had a great calming effect on me. I know it is a cliche, but I will miss him and the stabilizing personage he was to all of us.
I really would like to be kept in the loop about a possible Memorial Service in Virginia at Chic's.
Thanks George for all you do for us. I really appreciate it.
SF,
Vern Dutton

Col Brady was an inspiration through leadership.
He will be missed.
Myron Olson
Purple Fox 69/70

Colonel Gene Brady was more than the C.O. of the Foxes; he was more like a father that you loved and didn't’t want to disappoint. Never once did I ever hear a squadron mate refer to him as “The Old Man”, and that says a lot.

Bill Schwarz

Like all the Foxes, I have a deep hole in my heart over the passing of Col. Brady. I can only think of one other man I loved and admired as much as Gene Brady, that man was my father. I am sure heaven is a much more fun place since Gene has arrived.

Larry Britton

Hey Albert:

I am so sorry to hear about your Grandfather, Col Brady. I just posted on your FB wall about how much your Grandfather meant to the men he led all those years in the Marines and in times of war! "They don't make his kind anymore"!
I'm sorry my words don't do Col Brady justice. But know this Albert, Marines and pilots in general do not like their commanding officers, especially during war. Col Brady must of had a very, very special leadership gift to have so many proud men/pilots want to jump on a grenade for Col Brady, and for 40 years continue to adore and praise him for his leadership and heroism in Vietnam.
Col Brady, as I have told u before Albert, is the one name (hero) my dad will not stop talking about for 40 years, and won't until the day he dies! Your Grandfather's Men truly loved him and his outstanding leadership, I know every Marine that has met your grandfather, is heartbroken today...;( He was a legend in the aviation world, Marines and all of Vietnam's Heroes!!! I, after being in flying and fighter squadrons for 20 years, I have never met a commander like Col Brady. He is right there with names like Eddie Rickenbacker, Pappy Boyington, Gen Patton, Robin Olds, and Gen Schwarzkopf. My point is these were leaders and commanders who were loved by their Men, just like the Marines your Grandfather led in Vietnam and the love and loyalty they had for him the last 40+ years.
It is a sad day Al, and I wish I would have made the time in the last year with my dad, to go meet my dad's hero, Col Brady, I am sorry.
I would love to know when his funeral is. If you need airline passes to go down to see him, please let me know, I will make all the calls to get as many passes as your family needs to see your Grandfather off. Again Albert, my deepest regrets and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. I will have a shot of the finest Whisky tonight in his honor and "throw a Nickel in the grass" for him!

Ski

Respectfully,
LTC G. Mark Skibinski
USAF/ F-16/ airline Pilot

In the same CH-46 helicopter, 153952, that will be used in Col Gene Brady's memorial at Camp Pendleton June 17, Col Brady gave me my HAC check ride on April 17, 1969. My wife, Marion, & I were fortunate to have visited Gene and Janet on April 28, 2011 at his home in Irvine for a couple of hours. It was a fantastic visit. I couldn't think it then, but we shared our last beer. He showed great energy considering his health issues in March & was heading to Pensacola two days later for Ernie Cunningham's induction into the Golden Eagles. Little did I realize that some 40 days later...he would be gone form our lives, but never, never from our hearts. We parted with a hug and an "I love you." I dare say that thoughts of him were never a day or two absent from our collective Purple Fox minds over the years since we served him in HMM 364 at Marble Mountain Air Facility. He was a great leader and will always be remembered by all Purple Foxes who knew him with great affection, respect and love. Our hearts are a little fuller for having known him and his family. Knowing him has changed our collective lives for the better. I can hardly remember any specifics of my other CO's. At our first reunion at Chic Schoener's home in Washington in 1992, I wrote in his book..."After HMM 364, there was no other." Gene Brady was a One and Only.
Semper Fi,
Ken Wade
Col Brady met my retirement flight in PHX in May 2005 and spent the day with us at the hotel pool and at a dinner/party that evening. My sister Queenie, Co-pilot and Daughter-in-law’s sister Ann’s husband Adam (a Marine), all met him and had this to say when I told them he had made his last takeoff and sent them his Eulogy. This is exactly what Al and Judy indicated in their tribute….they were fortunate enough to have met him…..for less than 8 hours …… George Gitcho

Dear George, I'm so sorry for your loss. Colonel Brady had a long and decorated life. Your tribute was beautiful and worthy of a great man.
Love,
Queenie

G,
Sorry to hear about Col Brady. I know he was a dear friend. Glad I was able to meet him. Good work on his Eulogy.
Hope all is well in your world-
Matt

George,
It is sad to hear that Col. Brady passed away. It was an honor to meet him.
Semper Fi,
Adam


I'm sorry to respond so late but this news hit me very hard. I flew many missions with the Col and he is often on my mind. It was a great honor to serve under him and enjoy his "Top Gun" approach to life when people were dieing all around us.

May he rest in peace,

Jack Nolan

Growing up in the 1960s, I believed that no man was a hero. In 1969, I became the crew chief of Yankee Kilo Two and served under Colonel Gene Brady. I learned very quickly that I was in a special place and time with exceptional people, led by an extraordinary hero. Semper Fidelis, Papa Fox.

Larry M. Neuman
YK 2 (1969)
Col. Gene "Papa Fox" Brady has been eulogized and will be remembered by all who had served with or were acquainted with this remarkable Marine.  For most of us, our relationship with Gene goes back to our "formative" years as young and eager Marines and, until his passing, continued for 42 years. The history of our "Purple Foxes" is still evolving, but the evolution had to expand at some point in time. That time, at least for those of us who served with him, was during his tenure as our Commanding Officer in 1969. If I could be so bold, I challenge any Marine Corps squadron to match or exceed the history, the recorded valor, the losses suffered and the everlasting camaraderie that binds us till this day. Past, present and future Foxes are, and will be forever, part of our evolving history.
I had earlier reminisced about that fateful day when I reported to the Mag-16, S-3 bunker for squadron assignment. As the final 1Lt of our small group of FNG's to be assigned, the officer looked at me and simply said, "And you are going to be a Purple Fox...”. Nothing more for me to say.
As we mourn Gene, we will always have our personal memories and stories of the good times, the hard times, the laughter and the tears we all shared together. It is to that end, that I humbly submit this poem. I do not claim authorship; all that I do know is that it was written by a VN Veteran some time ago. 
  Good by Gene.
Col. Chic Schoener, USMC, (Ret) 
  
Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow; I am diamond glints in the snow.
I am sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush; I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight; I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die.

Papa Fox
I was deeply saddened by the death of our Papa Fox. He will indeed be missed by all Foxes. I am proud to have served under his command and will always remember him. Gen. Fred McCorkle told me (DC 2010) that I was lucky to have had Col. Brady as my CO. I don't know about luck, as the "Boss" referred to me as magnet ass!
 
I was privileged to have served, flown and gotten to know a truly GREAT person.
 
William (Marty) Martin
Purple Fox 68-69

Ed Rogal
Ed Rogal, Col. USMC was one of Gene's dearest neighborhood friends and Marine Aviator friends. Shakey, Fat Al, Hondo and many others were in his presence in Gene's backyard after Gene’s “Walk of Honor” Ceremony, May 30, 2006.
 
Ed’s wife, Toni, died recently after Ed cared for her 24/7 for years upon years. Gene looked after Ed daily in phone calls as did Janet, inviting him over for dinner. George, you will remember that you presented him with the City of Chicago Flag, which is now visible in the back of his garage when the door goes up and he drives into his garage. He did not think his neighbors would understand the FOUR Red six point stars as Chicago events of great significance-the Founding of Fort Dearborn in 1836, The Chicago Fire 1871, The World's Fair of 1893, and the Century of Progress of 1933, so he proudly displays it in his home.
  
Ed Rogal is one Great Marine. He enlisted 3Apr1939 as Reservist in Chicago and began Active Duty 6June1941 training in “Barrage Balloon Squadron” “ZMQ3”, shipped from Parris Island through the Panama Canal, to Wellington, NZ. As a USMC "Balloon Pilot" with 1st MarDiv at Tulagi, BSI, he piloted barge mounted-tethered-by-cable balloons in the British Solomon Island ports, designed to cut the wings off of low flying Japanese strafing aircraft over our precious few harbors after 7Dec1941. Later, he was selected for OCS, and then Flight School, returned during WWII as an aviator, and flew in Korea within Gene's timeframe and then flew F-8 “Crusaders” as CO of VMFA-235 at DaNang, RVN in 1966-1967 flying missions all over North and South Vietnam.
 
He brought his daughter, Gayle and son in law Jim, with him to 56 Canyon Ridge to honor Gene. This having followed the loss of his wife, Toni, of 65 years.
 
Ed Rogal is a gentle loving Marine of the greatest heart and soul especially for Gene and Ginny with whom he worked since Irvine Ranch first began selling home sites. He retired as Colonel June 30, 1972.
 
He is a dear Marine who showed up in his Purple Fox Cover (Shakey Gitcho edition) which you, George, gave to him several years ago. There wasn't a smudge on it anywhere. He examined every rivet of Gene's BN 153952 which was being Phase Checked in the hangar right next to the Squadron Formation that LtCol. Ed Jeep held for the occasion of this memory.
  
May the memory of Gene Brady live within us always and cheer our spirits with "mirth" home grown by Gene and Ginny.
 
Semper Fi,
Pat and Beba
 
Memorial for Gene
Pat:
It is very difficult to find words that would adequately express my gratitude to you for all that you did for Gene and his family. The tributes you paid to Gene at Camp Pendleton were awesome and I am sure all of the officers and enlisted personnel of the Purple Fox squadron were very impressed with your address, and they, like me, will always be thankful to you opening your heart to them. I am sure they will never forget you and Gene and his Helicopter!

The family gathering on Saturday was likewise an event that Gene's family was very proud of. You and LtCol Jeep and all the Marines were a tremendous inspiration to all who were present. I know Gene was looking down and giving you all a “thumbs up!”

Thank you so very much Pat and again, please tell the Purple Fox Family of our great appreciation for the honor given to “Gene Brady."

God Bless You and your family!

Ed Rogal, Col. USMC

TAPS
Major General Daniel Butterfield
Day is done...
Gone the sun
from the lake...
From the hills...
From the sky.
All is well...
Safely rest
God is nigh.

Fading light....
Dims the sight
and a star....
Gems the sky....
Gleaming bright
From afar....
Drawing nigh
fall the night.

William V. M. Peck
MSgt USMC Ret
Night Maintenance Chief 1969 1970
HMM 364

I am saddened by the loss of Col. Brady, but very happy I had the opportunity to meet him at the Reno Reunion in 04.
I became a Fox just after Col. Brady left the squadron and did not have the pleasure of serving under him.
His actions and leadership remained through the presence of others in HMM-364 who became outstanding mentors to me and those that followed.
I served under a number of CO's during my active and reserve years but never anyone who was held in such high regard as Col. Brady.
Thanks for keeping his memory alive and in front of all us. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Semper Fi
Steve Erb
Pat,

What a fine man and friend of yours.
Mom always loved Col. Brady.
Papa Fox was always a gentleman, Semper Fi.
We will have Msgr. Jack Macfarlane say a Mass for him.
May his soul rest in peace.

Tom and Susan Donovan

It was a privilege to serve with a great leader, and Man.
Ronald (Ron) Dion)
Purple Fox 68/69


If you would like to add your thoughts about or memories of Col. Brady please use this link "Papa Fox"

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