Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Owen
Thomas
Monaghan
KIA (WWII)
April 6, 1910

–

April 7, 1945

Cemetery:

Passionist Monastery Cemetery

Owen Monaghan pronounced his vows as a Passionist Religinus on August 1, 1928, and was ordained a Catholic Priest on June 6, 1936, by the Most Reverend Gerald T. Bergan, Bishop of Des Moines, at Saint Ambrose Cathedral. He initially served as a priest at Saint Gabriel Passionist Monastery, Des Moines, Iowa, and left there in 1942 to enlist in the Army as a chaplain. He went overseas the following December, serving in the South Pacific, first with the 41st Infantry Division where he earned a Silver Star in 1943. Two years later, while serving with the 32d Infantry Division, he was killed in action at Luzon, Philippine Islands.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    162d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    41st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 21 – August 14, 1943
    Headquarters, 41st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 38 (1943)

    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) Owen Thomas Monaghan (ASN: 0-441522), United States Army, for gallantry in action and conspicuous bravery in action under heavy fire while serving as a Chaplain with the 162d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in New Guinea, from 21 July 1943 to 14 August 1943. Chaplain Monaghan was attached to a combat unit during the fight for Roosevelt Ridge on New Guinea. Arriving shortly after the attacks started he joined litter bearers in the evacuation of casualties as American forces advanced. During the entire time he was exposed to enemy rifle, machine gun, grenade, and mortar fire. He made three trips across the ground on which the Japanese were concentrating fire. When a lull came in the battle, Chaplain Monaghan performed burial service while sporadic mortar attacks were launched by the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by, Captain Monaghan without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.