Bernard J. “Brian” McParland

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Bio

Bernard J. “Brian” McParland was born on April 6, 1928, in Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, and immigrated to the United States in the late 1940s.

Brian served in The U.S. Army L Company, 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division. Brian started his service at Camp Polk, Louisiana, for basic training. After basic training, Brian had 30 days’ leave, which he spent in New York, where he proposed to his future wife, Phyllis.

Brian and his unit were first sent to Hokkaido, Japan, where the company participated in battalion and regimental combat team excursions. But in December 1952, the company was transferred to Incheon, South Korea. Once they arrived in Korea, Brian and his company joined the main line of resistance and were sent on patrols. In June 1952, L Company was sent to Old Baldy. Brian was wounded at Old Baldy when he was hit with shrapnel in the right leg and left foot. He was transferred to the 8055 MASH unit and eventually air-lifted to Yokohama, Japan, where he received the Purple Heart.

After a couple of weeks in Yokohama, Brian was sent back to the US to Fort Deven’s Hospital, where he was reunited with Phyllis. Brian underwent several surgeries, a bone graft, and extensive physical therapy. During that time, Brian received his US Citizenship in February 1953, and in October 1953, Brian and Phyllis were married.

After the wedding, Brian went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for further treatment. After three and a half years with over 20 surgeries, Brian was finally released from Walter Reed in December 1955.

After his release from the hospital, Brian enrolled in the University of Connecticut and, after graduation, began his career at Airborne Instruments Laboratory. Brian returned to Hofstra University and graduated with a degree in Engineering Electronics. During that time, Brian and Phyllis expanded their family and had two children, Kevin and Brenda.

Throughout his life, Brian kept his Irish roots alive, participating in both the Saffron Kilts and the American Celtic Pipe Band. He was also involved with the Knights of Columbus and reunions with members of the L Company. Brian designed the L Company, 179th Infantry Monument that was installed on the grounds of the 45th Division Museum in Oklahoma City in 2002.

Brian and Phyllis traveled extensively, including many trips back to Ireland to visit his extended family. Brian was also part of the Honor Flight of West Central Florida in April 2017.

Brian wrote down his life memories, including his time in Korea, which is a wonderful treasure for his family. Brian passed away on May 10, 2021.

Photos

Monument at Reunion of 45th Division in Oklahoma City

Purple Heart Monument