Navy Federal Credit Union

John Tye entered the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales in 1929, and was ordained a Catholic priest of the Franciscan Order at Fribourg, Switzerland in 1938. Returning to the United States, he taught French at Northeast Catholic School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, until he entered military service and was commissioned a U.S. Army chaplain during World War II. After the war he went to Lockport, New York, where he became principal of Saint Francis de Sales High School, but took a leave of absence to return to military service during the Korean War, and ultimately retired as a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. In 1958 Father Tye returned to Northeast Catholic School where he taught English until his retirement.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    February 7, 1945

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 50 (April 2, 1945)

    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) John Burke Tye (ASN: 0-519626), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division at Bilibid Prison, Luzon Island, Philippine Islands, on 7 February 1945. While conducting burial services for an enlisted man, the enemy began shelling the immediate area with artillery fire. Although all troops in the area sought cover, Chaplain Tye, with utter disregard for his life, remained at the grave to complete the full burial rituals for the deceased. While the enemy continued to shell the area, Chaplain Tye further endangered his life by remaining in position to cover the grave himself. By his courage in the face of concentrated enemy artillery fire and by his complete disregard for his own life, Chaplain Tye rendered outstanding service to his country and fellow soldier far beyond the normal call of duty. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Tye, 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.