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Irishman John O’Sullivan from Tralee.
Episode 3160 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Vietnam Vet John O’Sullivan is being honored in Ireland, his home.country. The featured story is titled: A Huey in Kerry: One man’s mission to honour Tralee Vietnam pilot and Ireland’s soldiers. It appeared on the Irish Independent website and was submitted by Fergus Dennehy.
Dennehy reported that a rural community in Co. Kerry has embarked on an ambitious effort to honor one of its own—Major John O’Sullivan, a Tralee-born pilot who became one of the most highly decorated aviators of the Vietnam War and in U.S. Army history. Led by Padraig Nolan, the Dolphin 428 project seeks to ensure Ireland recognizes the extraordinary achievements of O’Sullivan and, by extension, the valor of all Vietnam Veterans, regardless of where they were born.
O’Sullivan emigrated to the United States with his family in the 1950s, joined the U.S. Army after high school, and quickly distinguished himself. First a paratrooper, then a helicopter pilot, he flew Huey slicks and gunships through two demanding tours in Vietnam. His remarkable courage, skill, and loyalty to his fellow soldiers earned him the Distinguished Service Cross—one of America’s highest awards for heroism. After returning to Ireland in the 1980s, he continued to serve others by training new generations of helicopter pilots. He passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy that bridges two nations.
To honor him, Padraig and his team located a retired U.S. Army Huey helicopter in Tulsa, Oklahoma—one once flown by O’Sullivan. With the support of the 174th AHC Veterans Association, they brought the aircraft home to Ireland, where it will be restored and displayed as “Dolphin 428.” The project aims not only to memorialize O’Sullivan’s service but also to highlight the enormous contributions of Irish, Irish-American, and all Vietnam Veterans who served with distinction under the U.S. flag.
By creating a public site and educational hub, the Dolphin 428 project hopes to inspire visitors of all ages and strengthen understanding of the deep, shared history between Ireland and the United States. Funding remains crucial, and supporters can follow the project—and contribute—through its online updates.
Listen to Episode 3160 and discover more about how Vietnam Vet John O’Sullivan is being honored in Ireland, his home.country.
