Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Denis
Mary
Keating
1904-02-24

–

1947-03-31

Born:

Langdon

, 

North Dakota

Home:

Glasgow

, 

Montana

Buried: 

Sierra Madre

, 

California

Cemetery:

Mater Dolorosa Passonist Retreat Center Cemetery

Denis Keating grew up in Easby, North Dakota, but dropped out of school after grammar school to work at home in the family’s boarding house and attached farm, so his other siblings could go to school. At eighteen he entered Langdon High school, while working part-time in a grocery story, and graduated in 3 1/2 years. He entered the Passionist Preparatory Seminary in Normandy, Missouri, and professed his vows on August 7, 1930, taking the religious name “Denis.” He was ordained a Priest of the Passionist Order on May 22, 1937 and after a year of sacred eloquence was assigned to Des Moines, Iowa. In 1941 he was communication commissioned a U.S. Army Chaplain, and after several months with a hospital unit, was transferred to the 141st Field Artillery. When his brigade was broken up, he transferred to the 4th Armored Division as their Artillery Chaplain in early 1944, landing with his unit in France. After recovering for wounds in action in August 1944, he returned to duty, and was among the liberators at the Dachau Concentration Camp. He returned home in 1945 and went to Sacramento, California, engaged in parish missions until he died in his sleep on March 31,1 947.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    4th Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1944
    Headquarters, 4th Armored Division, General Orders No. 17 (1944)

    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) Denis Mary Keating, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the Division Artillery, 4th Armored Division, 7 August 1944 at Pont Scorff, France. Chaplain Keating, severely wounded by shrapnel while under heavy enemy artillery fire, calmly continued to administer the last rites to the dying and render first aid to those in need. Chaplain Keating refused to take cover and with dominant, spirited self-control, courageously dragged himself from flaming vehicle to vehicle, many of which were exploding, removing the wounded and assisting in their evacuation. With complete and utter disregard for his own personal safety, Chaplain Keating continued on in his work of mercy until those seriously wounded were cared for. Chaplain KeatingÕs steadfast, resolute, and determined actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the military forces of the United States.