Robert Cronin attended Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts, until 1925, at which time he continued studies at Our Lady of Angels Seminary, in Niagara, New York, receiving his B.A. in 1930. He was ordained a Catholic priest on May 30, 1931. He first served as assistant pastor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, New York. In October 1942 he was commissioned a U.S. Navy chaplain, first with the FIRST Marine Division, and subsequently with the 3d Marine Raider Battalion in the Pacific Theater of Operations, where he earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He was discharged after the war as a U.S. Navy commander in 1946.
Sponsored by:
Robert
James
Cronin
1905
–
October 17, 1974
Born:
Glens Falls
,
New York
Home:
Glens Falls
,
New York
Buried:
South Glens Falls
,
New York
Cemetery:
Saint Mary’s Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior Grade (ChC)Batallion:
3d Marine Raider BattalionRegiment:
2d Marine Raider RegimentAction Date:
November 1, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (ChC) Robert James Cronin, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Chaplain with the Third Marine Raider Battalion, 2d Marine Raider Regiment, during a landing on Puruata Island, British Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. After a landing had been effected, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cronin was informed that a Marine was dying of wounds received in battle in the interior of an enemy-infested area. Although not required by duty to do so, he organized a stretcher party and without regard for his personal safety, proceeded to the side of the wounded man. He administered the Last Sacraments and remained with him until he died. His conduct and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.