Born and raised in New York City, Anthony DeLaura studied at Saint John’s and Saint Francis Colleges in Brooklyn. After graduating from Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Niagara, he was ordained a Catholic priest on June 10, 1933. He served as assistant at Saint Lucy’s, Saint Rita’s, Saint Joseph Patron, in Brooklyn, before entering military service in 1942. He was commissioned a U.S. Army chaplain, and saw action in eight campaigns with the 9th Infantry Division, earning a Silver Star for his heroism in action. In 1946, after discharge from the Army, he was assigned to Saint Brigid’s in Westbury. In 1952 he was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Assumption. Bishop Kellenberg named him to the Board of Consultors in 1957, and he was appointed a parish priest consultor.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)Regiment:
47th Infantry RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 10, 1944
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 12 (January 22, 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) Anthony Francis DeLaura (ASN: 0-487888), United States Army, for gallantry in action and disregard for personal safety in action against an armed enemy while serving as a Chaplain with the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on 10 September 1944, during operations in Germany. Chaplain DeLaura rescued ten injured men from an uncharted minefield before being wounded. Despite his injury, he carried on with the work, carrying more casualties to safety. Chaplain DeLaura showed disregard for personal safety and his gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, demonstrated 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.