Navy Federal Credit Union

Neil Doyle attended Mulcahy School and Crosby High School in Waterbury, Connecticut, finishing his pre-college education at Milford High School. He attended and graduated from Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and then at Saint BernardÕs Seminary in Rochester, New York. He was ordained a Catholic Priest at Saint JosephÕs Cathedral in Hartford in May 1935. He served at Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury, and became curate of Sacred Heart Church in New Haver. He was active with Boy Scouts and in youth groups in both parishes. In 1941 he entered military service and was commissioned as a U.S. Army chaplain, assigned to the 169th Infantry Regiment, with which he served until he was killed in action in World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    169th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    43d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 9 – 13, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 323 (October 23, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) Neil Joseph Doyle (ASN: 0-411469), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Chaplain with Headquarters, 169th Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Munda Airfield, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from 9 July to 13 July 1943. During the attack on Munda Airfield, Chaplain Doyle accompanied the leading elements of an infantry company. The enemy was well dispersed in depth throughout the entire zone, concealed in trees and well Camouflaged pillboxes. All during the operations while under expose to intense hostile fire, Chaplain Doyle could be found constantly moving among the troops, encouraging the men in their efforts, aiding the casualties, and administering the church’s final rites to the mortally wounded. In the performance his humane, religious, and altruistic deeds, and at the supreme sacrifice of his life, Chaplain Doyle contributed immeasurable to the mental and physical welfare of his soldiers. Chaplain Doyle’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the Chaplains Corps, and the United States Army.