Thomas Barrett was born in Chicago and attended Saint Finbar’s and Presentation Elementary Schools, and Saint Mel’s High School. He received theological training at Saint John’s Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Saint Procopius’ Seminary, Lisle, Illinois. He was ordained a Catholic priest in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 18, 1940, and celebrated his first solemn High Mass at Presentation Church there. After serving as assistant pastor of Saint Anthony’s Church, in Des Moines, he entered military service in World War II. He volunteered for service in China, and upon learning that the unique unit that became known as “Merrill’s Marauders” did not have a Catholic Chaplain, he volunteered to serve with them. For three months he moved with the unit, ministering to Protestants and Catholics alike, until he contracted malaria and had to be evacuated. He died in a hospital a few weeks after his evacuation.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)Regiment:
5307th Composite Group (Merrill’s Marauders)Action Date:
1944
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Thomas J. Barrett (ASN: 0-479449), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with as Chaplain with the 5307th Composite Group (Merrill’s Marauders), in operations in Burma in 1944. Upon learning that elements of the 5307th Composite Unit were without a chaplain, Chaplain Barrett volunteered to join them in their hazardous assignment in Burma, ministering to the men under fire until he contracted malaria and was evacuated. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Barrett, 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.