2015 Hall of Fame Honoree
Mr. Patrick Jordan, ’63
(Posthumously)
Patrick Jordan grew up in small town Oklahoma helping his father with all farming chores, including driving tractors and wheat trucks when he could barely see above the steering wheel. As he grew, his parents decided that he needed more life experiences than he would get on the family farm.
In 1959, Jordan began his education at the Oklahoma Military Academy where he completed his junior and senior years in high school and his first two years of college.
While at OMA, he was a member of the Drill Team, Saber Society, and participated in the Cadet Capers and the Fort Sill Summer Camp. His honors included Merit Ribbon, Military Proficiency Ribbon, Best Drill Platoon and Outstanding Company.
Jordan often spoke of the outstanding education he received and the wonderful lifelong friends that he made. Following his graduation from OMA, he attended the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he received degrees in history and education.
Jordan served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1973, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. The first was as an Armored Platoon Leader and his second as an Advisor to a South Vietnamese Armored Unit. He was awarded many medals including Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. After his second tour in Vietnam, he became a recruiter in the state of Washington. Although he enjoyed working with the high school students, in 1973 he made the decision to return to Oklahoma and his first love, farming and ranching. He continued this occupation until his death on August 17, 2014.
Jordan was very patriotic and loved hosting friends and family at his annual Independence Day celebration where his love for his country would shine through. He was proud to have been given the opportunity to serve his country during its time of need and would have returned to its defense again during these troubling times if age and health had allowed.