Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Kenny
E.
Lynch
1910-10-02

–

2002-04-16

Born:

Cincinnati

, 

Ohio

Home:

Walnut Hills

, 

Ohio

Buried: 

Louisville

, 

Kentucky

Cemetery:

Saint Agnes Cemetery

Kenny Lynch was one of seven brothers who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and served in World War II. He was ordained a Catholic Priest and was a member of the Passionist Order, Holy Cross Province, for 65 years until his death in Chicago in 2002. He entered military service along with his six bothers during World War II, and his parents received a framed letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt thanking them for their family’s commitment. Kenny Lynch was commissioned a U.S. Army Chaplain, serving with the 3d Armored Division in Europe. After the war he was pastor of Holy Cross/Immaculate Church, Mt. Adams from 1947 to 1950. During the Korean War he served with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea, earning a second Bronze Star. During his Korean War service he served as personal host for Cardinal Spellman when he was escorted to the front lines on Christmas in 1951. He retired from military service as a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    32nd Armored Regiment

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 2, 1944
    Headquarters, 3d Armored Division, General Orders No. 35 (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) Kenny E. Lynch (ASN: 0_437852), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a chaplain with the 32nd Armored Regiment, 3d Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 2 August 1944. When the enemy unleashed a heavy artillery barrage and wounded a number of men, Chaplain Lynch, while still under heavy fire, immediately assisted in rendering first aid to the wounded. While carrying a wounded soldier across 200 yards of open field which was still under fire, Chaplain Lynch heard a shell approaching. With extreme coolness, he calmly placed the soldier on the ground and covered him with his own body to prevent further wounds. Chaplain Lynch’s courageous action, devotion to duty, and complete disregard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.