Hometown hero: Mancelona grad inducted into CMU’s ROTC Hall of Fame
REGION – Mancelona Class of 1953 graduate Colonel Harold L. Patrick, U.S. Army (retired), was recently inducted into the Central Michigan University Reserved Officers Training (ROTC) Hall of Fame.
Dr. George E. Ross, president of CMU, presented the induction plaque to Col. Patrick in Falls Church, Virginia to recognize his life achievements. The plaque will be displayed in the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Military Science and Leadership (ROTC) location on campus.
Born on Green Street in Antrim County, Patrick and was the first of 10 children born to Curtis and Irene (Martin) Patrick. In 1953, he graduated as salutatorian from Mancelona High School and in 1957 graduated cum laude (with honors) from CMU as a Distinguished Military graduate. That same year, Patrick received his commission through CMU ROTC as a second lieutenant, and was assigned to a branch of the Army Signal Corps.
He served in the Army for over 26 years. His service included two overseas tours in Germany and two combat tours in Vietnam. Among his many accomplishments, Patrick was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in wartime, and twice awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious peacetime service.
Patrick earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Michigan State University (1966), and received advanced degrees from the Naval War College (1971), and National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Force (1981).
After his military career, Patrick worked another 27 years as a senior communications analyst for a number of Washington, D.C. based companies, including Analytic Services Corporation, Anteon and Alion. In that role, he supported the Air Force and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partners.
Read the full story in our regular edition of The Review. To subscribe to the paper for just $34 a year, which includes access to our full online e-edition, please go to the subscription page on this website at: http://www.antrimreview.net/subscribe/