Navy Federal Credit Union

Joseph Sheehan attended Cathedral Prep and Adelphis Academy, earning 16 varsity letters in baseball, basketball, swimming, and tennis. He graduated from Saint Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1940, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and studied for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, New Jersey. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1944, and became a monsignor in 1977. His first assignment was as assistant pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Long Branch, New Jersey, and then he went to Saint Francis Church in Metuchen, followed by service at Saint James Church in Red Ban, and Saint Gabriel’s Church in Bradevelt, all in New Jersey. In 1951 he enlisted for military service as was commissioned as a U.S. Army chaplain, serving in both the Korean and the Vietnam Wars, before retiring in 1971 as a lieutenant colonel. After retiring from the military he served as pastor emeritus of Saint Philip and Saint James Catholic Church, Phillipsburg, and Episcopal vicar for Warren and Henderson Counties.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 14, 1952

    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 246 (July 7, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) Joseph F. Sheehan, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Chaplain with Headquarters Company, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in Korea, on the morning of 14 June 1952. Numerous wounded men were being returned to the battalion aid station for medical attention following a night of bitter action. Although it was almost daylight, enemy artillery continued to fall around the patients. Captain Sheehan exposed himself to the furious barrage and went from patient to patient counseling and inspiring them with his calm words of assurance. Suddenly the enemy artillery became more intense and shells began exploding near the wounded men. Chaplain Sheehan, sensing the immediate danger to the already wounded men went to the nearest casualty to protect him from flying fragments with his own body. He stayed there until the bombardment subsided and the immediate danger passed. Chaplain Sheehan continued to assemble the wounded and in addition he helped medical personnel administer first aid as they continued to the forward aid station. He went forward and carried litters so the wounded could get immediate attention. The gallantry and devotion to his men displayed by Chaplain Sheehan during this action reflect great credit on himself, the Chaplain Service, and the United States Army.