William Vincent O’Connor, a Catholic priest and the chaplain of the 31st Infantry Division, received the Silver Star for rescuing a wounded man while under fire in New Guineau on August 29, 1944.
O’Connor was ordained on May 22, 1941 – 84 years ago today – and he spent 36 years in the Army, earning his jump wings and becoming a mountain specialist.
Honor and remember his leadership.