Colonel Patrick Henry "Paddy" O'Rorke was born in Ireland in 1836, the youngest of 6 children. As an infant, he emigrated with his family to North America, first settling in Canada, and then Rochester, New York. 

Accepted to West Point in 1857, he graduated first in his class in 1861 (a fellow cadet, George Armstrong Custer, graduated last in the same class), and immediately offered his services to the preservation of the Union.

O'Rorke led the 140th New York Infantry in Gettysburg, and was part of the defenses of Little Round Top on July 2, 1863. A sniper's bullet killed young Colonel O'Rorke as he arrived on the southwestern slope at the heights of the rocky hill, but his quick action and determination instilled bravery in his regiment, and their resolute stance helped to secure the Union left flank that day. 

The young Colonel left behind his bride of just a few weeks and many acquaintances who were proud to call him their friend. 

The monument to the 140th New York stands near the spot where their gallant commander was killed at Gettysburg. 

​Legend dictates that rubbing the Colonel's nose will bring the Luck of the Irish.