Patrick Martin was born in Baillieston in 1916 and educated at St.Bridget's. He emigrated to America in 1936 (some reports say 1928) later he trained for the priesthood in Philadelphia where he was ordained an oblat in 1942.
Father Martin returned to Baillieston for a visit in 1948 and was honoured with a reception dinner in the Miner's Institute by St.Bridget's parish. The group photo taken that night can be viewed HERE.
At the start of the Korean war he enlisted as a chaplain in the U.S. army he was given the chaplaincy rank of captain and served with the 5th.regiment, United States Cavalry.
In 1951 he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in the face of the enemy. It is reported that he led his battalion as ranking officer after the battalion command were killed or wounded but this is unconfirmed. In the same battle Father Martin was wounded and was shipped back to America for recuperation leave and his mother from Muirside Street visited him in Philadephia at that time.
Further research to complete the story of this very interesting Bailliestonian is ongoing.
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