Category Archives: Stories & Tall Tales

I was Pat’s classmate at Marquette. Being retired, snowed in and with lots of time to spend on the computer, I have been googling names of old friends. I was delighted to see the picture of Pat, with that same … Continue reading →

One of my fondest memories of Pat is when we stole his car. “We” was Michael, Charlie Bandes, and another friend Antonis, whose last name I forget, but his culinary habits I will never forget. He ate very natural foods … Continue reading →

I first learned of Pat through his writings on leadership and management. His lessons have continued to be great value to me. However, I became a real fan of Pat when a I and some others in Holden worked with … Continue reading →

To Cassandra, Alexandra and any future grandchildren of Patrick Townsend I wanted to give you some personal comments about your grandfather. He and I differed in very fundamental ways. He was Catholic and I am Jewish, he was conservative and … Continue reading →

Though I haven’t seen Pat in several years…family, work and distance took its toll…I expected to see him at the O’Callahan Society Reunion at the Holy Cross Fall Homecoming. It had been too long since I had a chance to … Continue reading →

Below are a collection of comments, stories, and memories from the men who served with our father in the 1st 8″ Howitzer Battery. My deepest sympathy to the Townsend family. I served under Capt. Townsend in 1968 and interacted with … Continue reading →

Shocked. Numbed. Angered. Those involved in the profession of arms develop not an ambivalence but grudging acquiescence that in combat they or someone close may, no will, be here one moment and abruptly gone the next. Pat was supposed to … Continue reading →

I was a 25-year old knucklehead know it all 1stLt and barely three years into my Marine career when I met up with 40-year old Patrick Leo Townsend who was in the last year of his Marine career. Pat and … Continue reading →

Here is one of my favorites from the 80s, specifically in 1983, in Kansas City at the 9th Marine Corps Recruiting District HQ. I was with Pat for maybe six months and then our secretary left for a promotion. We … Continue reading →

Early on during my tenure with Pat I asked him about an award he had received. In a very humble manner, Pat told me the story of when he was the commanding officer of the 8” Artillery Battery in Vietnam. … Continue reading →