Navy Federal Credit Union

Patrick Lydon was educated at Saint John’s Parochial School, Fitton Parochial School, Boston College Preparatory School, and Boston College, all in Boston, Massachusetts. He received his theological training at Saint John’s Seminary in Boston, and was ordained a Catholic priest on December 19, 1908. He served at Saint John’s Church, in Suffolk, Massachusetts, until he was commissioned in the U.S. Army on October 1, 1917. Serving as a chaplain with the 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, he was cited twice for gallantry. He was discharged on March 29, 1919, and then served as Assistant Pastor of Saint Francis de Sales Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    10th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15 – 16, 1918

    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (June 3, 1919), Amended by A.E.F. Citation Orders No. 9 (1920)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) Patrick John Lydon, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Chaplain Lydon distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Greves Farm, near Chateau-Thierry, France, 15 – 16 July 1918, while attending the wounded under heavy fire.
    (First Citation)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    10th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) Patrick John Lydon, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Chaplain Lydon exhibited courageous and faithful performance of his duties and also acted as an able assistant to the Medical Officer, caring for and evacuating the wounded under gas and a heavy shell fire, for a period of sixty hours without rest, showing utter disregard of his own personal danger. By his calm and courageous attention to duty he set an example to all about him.
    (Second Citation)