Francis Keenan studied at Saint JohnÕs College where he received his B.A. in 1920. He then attended Niagara University in New York, where he received his M.A. in 1930. He entered Saint VincentÕs College in Philadelphia, followed by studies at Georgetown University, and was ordained a Catholic priest of the Vincentian Fathers in 1936. He served at assistant dean at Saint JohnÕs University in Brooklyn, New York, until April 1942, when he was commissioned a chaplain in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He served in the FIFTEENTH Naval District until 1943, when he boarded the U.S.S. Elizabeth C. Stanton, a transport ship ferrying troops to make the amphibious assault on Sicily, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. He retired from military service on November 1, 1947.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant (ChC)Division:
A.P. Elizabeth C. StantonAction Date:
July 11, 1943
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 325 (April 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (ChC) Francis Jean Keenan, United States Navy, for gallantry in action during the invasion of Sicily, on 11 July 1943. Attached to the A.P. Elizabeth C. Stanton , a transport ship, Chaplain Keenan voluntarily left the ship to render assistance to medical parties ashore. Although wounded while digging a grave, despite his wound and with utmost fortitude he continued to complete the grave and conducted the services for the deceased man. Upon returning to his ship he declined medical aid until those more seriously wounded were cared for. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.