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On October 30, 1942, John entered active duty as a member of the Tenth Class of the United States Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Columbia University in New York City. After successfully completing the program, in the top 10 percent of his class, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the Naval Reserve in February 1943.  After attending the Sub-Chaser Training Center, Miami, Sonar School, Key West and Combat Information Center School, Honolulu, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Martin (DE-30).

The U.S.S. Martin was an Evert Class Destroyer Escort assigned to the Pacific Campaign. Its responsibility was to protect convoys and other ships from enemy submarines and fighter aircraft.  His assignments on the ship included Officer of the Deck, Combat Information Center Officer and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer. He participated in campaigns in the Central and South Pacific, including the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Solomons, Marianas and Philippines. He was authorized to wear the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, with two bronze stars, as a result of the U.S.S. Martin coming under enemy air attacks at various times while engaged in convoy work in Philippine waters during late 1944.

 In January 1945, after a full tour of sea duty, he was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet Radar Center. He returned to the States in March of 1945 and, after training at the United States Naval Radar Training School, was assigned to nucleus crews for Destroyers. During December 1945 he was released to inactive duty with the rank of Lieutenant J.G.   From 1946 to 1950 he continued his Naval career at the Naval Reserve Training Center in Brooklyn. During these years he also commenced his civilian career in the Executive Offices of American Express Company and obtained his law degree.

 In October 1950 John was recalled to active duty and assigned to the U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29) as Officer of the Deck, Assistant Combat Information Center Officer, Division Officer and Legal Officer. During his tour on the vessel, an aircraft carrier, it was engaged in the Blockade and Escort Force in the Yellow Sea. As a result of this assignment, he was awarded the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He returned to the States in April 1951. After attending the Naval Justice School, graduating very near the top of his class (he was a good student throughout his life), he was assigned to the U.S.S. Baltimore (CA-68), a cruiser, as Legal Officer. Subsequently he was reassigned to the Receiving Station in Boston as Assistant Legal Officer. During June of 1952 he was released to inactive duty with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. 

After his discharge he remained in the Ready Reserves. In 1953 he was assigned to the staff of Surface Battalion, 3-3, at the Naval Reserve Center in Perth Amboy. Between 1954 to 1957 he was Commanding Officer of Surface Division, 3-26, at Perth Amboy. In 1961 he was awarded the Rank of Commander and commencing in 1962 he was an Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officers School in Elizabeth. On July 1, 1969, after more than 25 years of service, he retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Commander.

 John continued his civilian career in the Executive Offices of American Express after his discharge from active duty during the Korean Conflict. His responsibilities included a major role in establishing the format of the initial American Express Credit Card Operation. In 1981 he retired from American Express as Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary.

During 1952 John and his wife Marian purchased their home in Westfield, where they raised their family and resided for 33 years. He was active in the Westfield community, including as District Chairman and other positions in the United Fund of Westfield, Ward Chairman of the Charter Study Commission, Chief Umpire for the Boys Baseball League, and as a member of the Boy Scouts Troop 73 Committee, the Executive Committee of the Holy Trinity Parents Guild, the Holy Trinity Forum Committee and the Holy Trinity Parish Council, serving as it first Chairman.

Commander O’Brien was very proud to have served his country in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. On May 29, 1985, he passed away at the age of 69.