Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Chamberlain
Ward
August 27, 1873

–

February 15, 1949

Cemetery:

Forest Hills Cemetery

John Ward attended Harvard College and graduated in 1896. He then studied at General Theological Seminary where he graduated in 1899. He was ordained a deacon on May 28, 1999, and became an Episcopalian Priest on May 27, 1900. He served as rector of Saint Stephen’s Church in Fubbalo, New York, and subsequently at Grace Church in Buffalo. In 1917 he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a chaplain, serving in France in World War I. After the war he returned to Grace Church in Buffalo, pastoring there until 1921. He was elected Bishop of Erie in 1921, and was consecrated to the episcopate on September 22, 1921. He retained his post until his retirement in 1943. After his retirement, he attempted to enlist as a chaplain during World War II, but was rejected as being too old (age 69), although he did have a brief tenure serving at a church in Seward, Alaska, in support of the troops.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    108th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 29, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 20 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) John Chamberlain Ward, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 108th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, east of Ronssoy, France, 29 September 1918. During the operations against the Hindenburg line Chaplain Ward voluntarily and at great risk to himself went forward under heavy shell and machine-gun fire to care for the wounded and to search for the dead. Twice he was ordered off the field of battle by officers, being told each time that it was sure death to remain. During the entire time his regiment was engaged he remained on the field under fire, displaying a fine example of bravery and courage which was an inspiration to all.