Part 2/7:
John served honorably in World War I, participating in the harrowing Battle of Meuse-Argonne at just 19 years old. This battle is etched into history as one of the bloodiest confrontations involving American forces, yet remarkably, O'Reilly emerged unscathed.
Upon returning home, he joined the NYPD, serving diligently for two decades, a choice common among many Irish immigrants of his time. His transition into bank security after his police career highlights the multidisciplinary skill set that many officers carry with them beyond their service. His memorabilia, like a well-worn billy club, serves as a relic of a time when policing was markedly different.