[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CYRIL O'BRIEN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2011

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Cyril ``Cy'' John O'Brien, a veteran of the Second World War and 
Captain in the United States Marine Corps, for his dedication and 
service to our community and country. Cy passed away on January 31, 
2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. As we mourn his loss, we recognize him for 
his contributions to our community.
  Cy was born in Newfoundland, Canada in 1919 and graduated from St. 
Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June of 1942. One 
month later he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was a 
member of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II and served as a 
Combat Correspondent in Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. His coverage 
of the Liberation of Guam, the bravery of American Marines, soldiers, 
sailors, and airmen, and the experiences of war survivors during the 
Liberation provided Americans with a unique perspective of Guam's 
Liberation for all who study the history of the Second World War in the 
Pacific.
  Following his return from duty during the Second World War, Cy worked 
as a Washington correspondent for several New Jersey-based newspapers. 
He covered matters pertaining to Capitol Hill, writing stories on the 
House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He went on to work at the 
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and served as its 
Director of Media Affairs until his retirement in 1983.
  Cy is the author of ``Liberation,'' which chronicles the 3rd Marine 
Division's recapture of Guam during the summer of 1944, and was 
published by the Marine Corps Historical Center. Cy was also a founding 
member of the 3rd Marine Division Association. Additionally, he has 
returned to Guam on many occasions to join the people of Guam in 
celebrating and recognizing the importance of our Liberation Day. He 
has remained true to his Chamorro friends and worked hard to educate 
Members of Congress and Senators on the importance of Guam War Claims.
  Cy will be remembered by his four children--Tony, Bridget, Johnine, 
and Patsy--as well as many loved ones and friends. I offer my 
condolences, sympathies, and prayers to his family and all who knew 
him. On behalf of the people of Guam, I express a sincere Un dangkulo 
na si Yu'os Ma'ase for his service and sacrifice to our island. He will 
be missed.

                          ____________________