From the 1951 Howitzer:
From a Montana ranch to West Point satisfied Pat's first major goal and since a hitch in the Navy had pointed him skyward the Air Force was his next. he displayed an interest in all phases of cadet life and tackled problems from academics to the femme situation with his characteristic Irish vigor. His many friends will well remember him for his ability to make the most of any situation.

Patrick (Pat) Lynch was born in MT, raised on a cattle ranch in Rosebud County, and graduated from High School in 1946. He joined the Naval Aviation V-5 Pilot Training Program and later secured appointments to both USMA and USNA, then resigned from the Navy and entered USMA in 1947.

West Point was a genuine challenge. Pat had spent far more time on horse-back than getting in shape for long runs with a rifle and backpack. Academics proved manageable and came easier after plebe year. Overall USMA went well.

Pat's army career was fast-paced and highly rewarding. The Fifties were highlighted by a combat tour in Korea cut short by combat wounds. Then came convalescence and rapid fire Armored Cavalry assignments in VA, Germany and CO. Armor Adv Course at Fort Knox was followed by USC in CA where Pat earned an MS in Mech Engrg in 1960. The Sixties began with Nuclear Weapons Engineering assignment at LRL Livermore CA. and marriage to Lois in 1962. Then Iran as Armor Advisor C&GSC at Ft. Leavenworth, and Army Bushmaster Weapons Systems Project Manager. Pat returned to troops as commander of a Training Bn and Bde at Fort Lewis in 1969.

The Seventies took Pat to Vietnam as a Senior Regimental Advisor to the ARVN and a full schedule of airmobile operations against the NVA. Then ICAF and four-year accompanied tour with US Mission/NATO in Brussels. next, Weapons Div Chief in DA OCRD and Army Mbr of the AMRAD Cmte in OSD. Pat Retired with a memorable final ceremony at Fort Meyer VA Oct. 1980.

Pat worked in International Marketing and Strategic Planning with defense companies for the next ten years in TX, VA, and CA. In 1990 he started Palm Desert Enterprises. Pat worked for USMA in two arenas. He was a Director of a USMA Society with emphasis on Admissions. He also co-chaired Congresswoman Mary Bono's Committee for Candidate Selection for USMA, USNA, USAFA and US Merchant Marine Academy. Pat and Lois made Palm Desert CA their home.

Pat was returning from a ski resort, coming down a winding road in West Virginia, and was involved in a automobile accident. He died as a result of that accident. He is survived by his wife Lois, three children (two daughters and a son), and grandchildren.