Born in County Cavan, Ireland
Patrick was 1 year old when he immigrated
to the United States with his parents.
In 1842, his family moved to Rochester, NY where he lived until 1857 when he was appointed cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point.
He graduated first in his class in 1861 and was commissioned to the Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant.
“Here they are men, commence firing”
Military Career
O’Rorke took part in the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run where a bullet went straight through his coat and horse shot out from under him.
Later, he was
reassigned to various engineering duties in Washington City. Fort Marcy, Fort
Davis, Fort Stevens and Fort Washington were all established to protect the
federal capital.
In March of 1862, he was given command
of the “Rochester Raiders” of the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry.
He was only 26 years old at the time.
During the Battle of Little Round Top,
O’Rorke led his men, after “orders” from General Gouvernor K. Warren up the
north slope to the crest of the rocky hill. O’Rorke grabbing his regiments colors
shouted “Here they are men, commence firing”.
These would be his last words as he
was mortally wounded in one of the first volleys.
Internment
O’Rorke was initially buried by members of the 140th in Gettysburg but was later returned to Rochester, NY by his widow.
A funeral for Colonel O’Rorke was held on July 15 bringing together hundreds of Protestants and Catholics as well as a range of various ethnic groups.
He was laid to rest in the old Catholic cemetery on Pinnacle Hill but was ultimately interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery where he lies in rest to this day.
O’Rorke Society
The O’Rorke Memorial Society was formed to honor the life of Colonel O’Rorke and to keep his unrelenting spirit alive.
Several projects including a memorial bust and the O’Rorke
Bridge have been coordinated by the society.
Investigation is currently underway in hopes the
Medal of Honor could be awarded to Colonel O’Rorke.
Contact Us
PLEASE NOTE: Payments made to the petition site
DO NOT go to the O'Rorke Society and are NOT
REQUIRED to sign the petition.
We are in the process of setting up a 501(c)(3) but in the mean time,
if you care to make a "private" donation, please contact us at the email below.
If you would like additional information on this undertaking, please send a note
along to MOH@ororkesociety.com Join us on Facebook (Patrick O'Rorke) Follow us on Twitter (@ororkesociety) 
