Robert Lynch was born and raised in Yonkers, New York, where he received his early education and graduated from Groton High School, and then from St. Charles College. He prepared for the priesthood at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York, where he graduated in 1941. He was ordained a Catholic priest at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, in May 1943, and celebrated his first High Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary there. He was commissioned a U.S. Army chaplain in 1945, serving briefly during the World War II era, and then at Saint Andrew’s Church in New York City. He returned to service as a U.S. Army chaplain during the Korean War, earning the Silver Star. After returning home from Korea, he was stationed at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, and then was stationed as an Army chaplain in Germany. He died of an apparent heart attack while still in service, in 1954.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)Regiment:
8th Cavalry RegimentDivision:
1st Cavalry DivisionAction Date:
June 5 – 6, 1951
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 349 (November 9, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Robert Emmett Lynch (ASN: 0-932603), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Chaplain with the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action near Yongohen, Korea, on 5 – 6 June 1951. The enemy was subjecting the forward observation post to an intense artillery barrage which was having a demoralizing effect on the men around it. Chaplain Lynch, observing this, fearlessly moved about the area inspiring all present by his courage and calmness, giving encouragement to the frightened men. His voluntary decision to remain in the danger area despite the heavy enemy fire indicated extraordinary courage and devotion to duty. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Lynch, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.