Eugene OÕKeefe graduated from Holy Cross College in 1925, and entered the Jesuit Society in September of that year. He was ordained a Jesuit Catholic priest on June 20, 1937. In April 1942 he was appointed a U.S. Army chaplain, and arrived in the Philippine Islands as chaplain to the 61st Field Artillery (Philippine Army) in the Philippine Islands the following month. For his heroic service from May 4 – 9, 1942, the newly-arrived chaplain was awarded the Silver Star. He was captured by the Japanese on May 10, at the fall of the Philippine Islands, and was held as a Prisoner of War until the famous U.S. Army Ranger raid on the POW camp at Cabanatuan, where he was released. He was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained by a blow to the head from a Japanese bayonet while being held as a prisoner. After returning home he was assigned to Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and then reverted to inactive status. He was promoted to Major in the U.S. Army Reserves in October 1947.
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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:
61st Field ArtilleryDivision:
Philippine ArmyAction Date:
May 4 – 9, 1942
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) Eugene J. O’Keefe (ASN: 0-890439), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with as a Chaplain with the 61st Field Artillery, Philippine Army, employed as Infantry, near Nangka, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, from 4 to 9 May 1942. In spite of great fatigue, the lack of food and loss of sleep due to the incidents of the campaign, Lieutenant O’Keefe made repeated visits to the front line, crossing terrain that was swept by hostile artillery and mortar fire, and frequently exposed himself to fire from enemy snipers to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the troops. His disregard of danger and his cheerful coolness under fire were an inspiration to all. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain O’Keefe, 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.