Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Francis
Patrick
Duffy
May 2, 1871

–

June 26, 1932

Cemetery:

Old Saint Raymond’s Cemetery

Canadian-born Francis Duffy attended Saint Michael’s College in Toronto, before emigrating to the United States in 1893. He attended Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Troy, New York, and was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1896. In 1898 he volunteered to serve as post chaplain at Fort Wikoff on Montauk Point, Long Island, during the Spanish American War. He served in a variety of parishes in New York and furthered his religious studies, earning his masterÕs degree and, in 1905, his doctorate. In 1905 he co-founded the theological journal “The New York Review, ” which was later shut down for suspicion of promoting the heresy of modernism. In 1912 he was appointed the priest of a new parish in The Bronx. In 1914 he was appointed chaplain of the New York National GuardÕs 69th Infantry Division, and helped raise the regiment for service in World War I when it was attached to the 42d Division. He served most of his post-war ministry as pastor of Holy Cross Church in ManhattanÕs HellÕs Kitchen, a block from Times Square. In 1937 a statue of him was unveiled at the north end of TimeÕs Square and the triangle where it is located was re-named Father Duffy Square. In 1940, Warner Brothers released the movie “The Fighting 69th,” and actor Pat OÕBrien portrayed him as the chaplain who attempts to reform a misfit private played by James Cagney.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain)

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 62 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Captain (Chaplain) Francis Patrick Duffy, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Chaplain Duffy performed with distinction his combined duties as Regimental and Division Chaplain, stimulating the work of all with whom he came in contact. When his division was in rest areas, he was tireless and devoted in his efforts to help all with whom he served. Whether in the front-line trenches or in an attack, he was with the troops, encouraging them to greater effort, an example of fearlessness and devotion to duty, helping to care for the sick and wounded, administering to the dying, and arranging for the burial of the dead.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 28 – 31, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 99 (1918)

    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) Francis Patrick Duffy, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Chaplain with 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the village of Villers-sur-Fere, France, from 28 to 31 July 1918. Chaplain Duffy devoted himself tirelessly and unceasingly to the care of the wounded and dying. Despite a constant and severe bombardment with shells and aerial bombs, he continued to circulate in and about two aid stations and the hospitals, creating an atmosphere of cheerfulness and confidence by his courageous and inspiring example.