A statue of George O'Brien, the Big Spring native who was awarded this nation's highest military honor for service “above and beyond the call of duty” in the Korean War, will be unveiled during the ceremonies, scheduled for the grounds in front of the hospital.

More than 50 friends and relatives of O'Brien, who died in 2005, will be on hand, said Iva Jo Hanslik, community relations director for the VAMC.

Funds for the statue were donated by Jerry and Louise Worthy, long-time friends of the O'Briens, Hanslik said.

“Jerry approached me one day and asked how I felt about having a statue of George O'Brien  on the grounds,” Hanslik said. “I said I thought the idea was awesome, but that I'd have to clear it with my bosses.”

About a year after that initial conversation, Worthy's idea has become reality. Utah sculptor Matthew Glenn, who created the statue, will be on hand Tuesday to assist in the unveiling.

Military records show that then-2nd Lt. O’Brien was recognized for his bravery during a fierce attack on his Marine platoon in Korea.

Although shot through the arm and thrown to the ground, he regained his feet, waved his men onward, and continued to spearhead the assault, pausing only long enough to go to the aid of a wounded Marine.  Struck down by the concussion of grenades on three occasions during the subsequent action, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated for medical treatment and continued to lead his platoon in the assault for a period of four hours.  

“By his exceptionally daring and forceful leadership in the face of overwhelming odds, 2nd Lt. O’Brien served as a constant source of inspiration to all who observed him and was greatly instrumental in the recapture of a strategic position on the main line of resistance,” his citation read.  

Lt. O’Brien was awarded the Medal of Honor Oct. 27, 1952.

Preceding the statue unveiling, Arden Glover, a friend of O'Brien's and a Purple Heart recipient, will provide the keynote address.

Also during the ceremonies, relatives of Conrad Alvarez and Kristian Menchaca, Big Spring men killed in action in Iraq, will lay a wreath at the base of the flagpole at the VAMC. Belinda Garcia, Alvarez' mother and Menchaca's mother-in-law, will be joined by Maira Alvarez and Christina Menchaca, widows of the respective men, during the ceremony.

Additionally, the Goodfellow AFB Honor Guard will participate in ceremonies, Hanslik said.

Following the unveiling of the statue, veterans and their families are invited to lunch at First Baptist Church.  As a gesture of appreciation to all veterans, lunch is being provided by Dr. John Freeman, CEO and Kevin Freeman, president of CeRamKote Coatings Inc. of Big Spring. James Duncan of Duncan Drilling also assisted.