Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Francis
Sheehan
April 28,1908

–

1946-09-13

Born:

Butte

, 

Montana

Home:

Butte

, 

Montana

Buried: 

Butte

, 

Montana

Cemetery:

Saint Patrick’s Cemetery

John Sheehan was born and raised in Butte, Montana, where he attended and graduated from Central High School. In 1929 he graduated from Mount Saint Charles College in Helena. He then studied for the priesthood in Rome, Italy, and was ordained a Catholic Priest on December 8, 1932. He delivered his first Mass in May 1933 at Saint Mary’s Church in the parish where he was born and received his baptism. He served at Saint Paul’s in Anaconda, Montana, until 1935 when he was transferred to Butte, where he became principal of the high school he had graduated from, and also served at Sacred Heart church until entering military service during World War II. After his war service he was medically discharged and returned to Butte where he was named Superintendent of Catholic education for the Helena diocese and assistant of Saint Mary’s Parish, until he died 18 months later from wounds he had received during the war.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    1123d Engineer Combat Group

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    January 3, 1945
    Headquarters, 12th Armored Division, General Orders No. 81 (1945)

    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) John Francis Sheehan, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Chaplain with the 1123d Engineering Combat Group, attached to the 101st Airborne Division, in action in the vicinity of St. Vith, Belgium, on or about 3 January 1945. Chaplain Sheehan exhibited gallantry over and above the call of duty by repeatedly risking his life to treat the wounded and dying. On one occasion when the aid men had been forced back, he coolly crossed a hundred yards of open terrain which was being swept by fierce enemy artillery, mortar, and automatic weapons fire, to drag to safety three of his badly wounded comrades. This necessitated making the perilous trip four times. Five bullets passed through his clothing and a mortar shell fragment tore open his knee. On another occasion he ventured within fifteen feet of the enemy lines to salvage a desperately needed case of first aid goods. Due to his vigilance also, two enemy attacks were successfully repulsed. These actions he carried out with a coolness and a disregard for his personal safety. Chaplain Sheehan’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.