9/24/1977
SSG Christopher J. O’Reilly, Jr. died on 24 September 1977, from injures received on 21 September 1977. SSG O’Reilly was assigned to the 149th Ordnance Detachment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. SSG O’Reilly, SSG Matthews, and SP4 Janet Miller were working on the demolition range when a large quantity of first-fire ignition mix prematurely ignited. SSG O’Reilly and SSG Matthews were to ignite the mixture by each pulling a time fuse system. SP4 Miller was at the vehicle and prepared to drive the team out of the disposal area. As SSG Matthews ignited his fuse, he saw a fireball formed at SSG O’Reilly’s ignition point. The fireball quickly engulfed the ignition mix and the ensuing fire charred the team’s vehicle. SSG O’Reilly was severely burned and SP4 Miller received less severe burns. SSG O’Reilly was evacuated to a Baltimore hospital and transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas were he succumbed to his wounds.
*This bio was researched and authored by SGM Mike R.Vining, USA (Retired). Please send any additional information and/or corrections to the author of this bio by email: sgmmvining@gmail.com. The EOD Warrior Foundation is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in bio.
SSGT O’Reilly and I graduated from the same class on June 27, 1968. The class leader was Army 2nd LT Hamilton. The class was made up of mostly Army soldiers, two Air Force Sergeants, two Navy Petty Officers, and me the only Marine. The first two weeks of classes were for EOD Chemical training which took place at FT McClellan, AL. In addition to our basic class, we were joined by six or eight Air Force seasoned EOD techs that had not been to Chemical school.
I remember SSgt O’Reilly well as a soldier that hit all the bases. Intelligence, Professionalism, great leadership skills, a sense of humor, and an important contributor to our study groups.
Due to the war in Vietnam, billeting at Indian Head was a premium so the Marine students, being the smallest number from any one branch, were housed in what was referred to then as the “old Chiefs Quarters.”
I have always felt fortunate that our class was going through NAVEOD School at the time the EOD Memorial became a reality and were able to attend the First EOD Memorial Ball.
It has been a long time in calendar days that seems like only a couple sunsets due to the EOD brotherhood. SSgt O’Reilly, rest in peace, we will always remember.