Enlisted in 1950 and was a S/Sgt when assigned to Aviation Cadets, 1953-54. From 1954 to 1970, Major O'Grady served as a Fighter Pilot and then Test Pilot.
He was Captain O'Grady at the 482nd from 1963 until deactivation. He started as QC Officer & Test Pilot but his last assignment as Chief Maint. Officer was to supervise the dispersal of the squadron's F-102s, and he personally flew the last of the 26 planes delivered to Burlington, VT., ANG.
After the 482nd was deactivated, "I was sent to George AFB, Victorville, CA, then worked out of Edwards Flight Test Center testing F-106's then back to Vietnam. Back here to George and then retired."