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chapter 3 to love and serve

bronze star medal

the bronze star medal, established by executive order 9419, 4 february 1944, is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the army of the united states after 6 december 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

John L. Barry, S.J.

Chaplain (First Lieutenant) John L. Barry, 0931664, Chaplains, United States Army, a member ofHeadquarters, 7 th Infantry Division Artillery, distinguished himselfby meritorious achievement on 20 October 1952. While an intense attack was being launched against the enemy, Chaplain Barry, against the protests ofthe commanding officer, moved into the thick ofthe battle, administering aid, both spiritual and medical, to the friendly casualties and encouraging the fighting men. The integrity, the sincere devotion to God and country, and the deep personal regard for the welfare ofthe men with whom he served, made Chaplain Barry an inspiring figure and an ennobling influence on all with whom he came in contact. The meritorious achievement ofChaplain Barry reflects great credit on himselfand the military service.

James J. Dolan, S.J.

James J. Dolan (Captain), 0402252, Chaplains Corps, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and exceptional service in connection with military operations against the enemy on Saipan, Marianas Islands, during the period 21 July 1944 and 2 September 1945.

John J. Dugan, S.J. (Awarded Bronze Star by General Order 113, Headquarters, War Department 4 December 1945.)

Thomas P. Hennessey, S.J.

Chaplain Thomas P. Hennessey, (Captain) 0530788, Corps ofChaplains, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for distinctive heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy during the period 22 to 23 March 1945 near Geinsheim, Germany. When assault troops crossed the Rhine River, Chaplain Hennessey volunteered to accompany the attached collective company. An hour and a halfenemy artillery barrage was launched into the area occupied by the collective station, and Chaplain Hennessey exposed himself constantly to supervise the removal ofwounded men. His outstanding devotion to his self-appointed mission was a great inspiration to the wounded and the men working with him and reflects great credit upon himselfand the military service.

chapter 3 to love and serve

bronze star medal (continued)

Harry L. Huss, S.J.

Major (Chaplain) Harry L. Huss (then Captain), (Army Serial No. 0509085), Army ofthe United States, for meritorious service in connection with military operations, as District Chaplain, Western District, United Kingdom Base; Deputy Chaplain, Channel Base Section; Deputy Chaplain, Chanor Base Section, Communications Zone, European Theater ofOperations, from 16 September 1944 to 8 May 1945. Despite the ever increasing difficulties with regard to the readjustment ofChaplains, Chaplain Huss executed quick and sure judgment in the redeployment program. His zeal and energy in covering small and isolated units who were without a Chaplain and his meticulous attention, guaranteeing burial services ofAmerican personnel, gained the respect and high regard ofall with whom he came in contact. His understanding ofhuman nature enabled him to solve many delicate problems requiring a knowledge ofthe civilian statutes, army regulations and individual’s emotions. The outstanding services rendered by Chaplain Huss reflect great credit upon himselfand the Armed Forces ofthe United States. Entered military service from Massachusetts.

John D. St. John, S.J.

Lieutenant Colonel John D. St. John performed meritorious service from April 1944 to May 1945 as Chaplain, Chaplain, 304 th Bomb Wing, and later as Assistant

15 th Air Force.

He exhibited a high degree ofinitiative, tact and forethought to insure spiritual and moral facilities for the entire personnel under his ministration. He displayed exceptional executive ability and resourcefulness in reorganizing and putting into effect an entirely new Chaplain’s policy for the 15 th Air Force, whereby all members ofhis faith received guidance and consolence despite a shortage ofChaplains.

Thomas A. Shanahan, S.J.

Chaplain (Major) Thomas A. Shanahan (0888031), Chaplain Corps, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 13 January 1945 to 15 March 1945, in connection with military operations against the enemy. Because ofhis former residence in the Philippines and his intimate knowledge oftheir people, Chaplain Shanahan voluntarily accompanied the advance echelon ofa major base headquarters to Luzon. Immediately on arrival he organized relief and rehabilitation measures for the local populace and ministered to battle casualties in forward-area hospitals with complete disregard for his own safety. Among the first Americans to enter Manila, he immediately began obtaining food, shelter, and medical care for upward of10,000 sick, injured, and homeless refugees, and for 70 nuns suffering from illness and malnutrition. While the enemy was shelling the University ofSanto Tomas, he stood by continually to administer clerical rites to the wounded and dying and devoted himselfunstintingly to the aid ofcivilian internees. His efforts materially assisted in the organization ofSanto Tomas for conversion into a major hospital unit. By his intrepid courage, inspiring spiritual guidance, and substantial material aid to a needy and suffering people, Chaplain Shanahan upheld the highest standards of humanity and the priesthood and rendered substantial aid in the proper care ofthe sick and wounded.