First Two Catholics Killed in World War II

“December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy” Franklin D Roosevelt

America was changed on the infamous day when Japan surprisingly and unprovoked attacked military bases in Hawaii.

Among the 3,000 men and women killed, there were two Catholics that were the first American casualties of what would soon be a declaration of war against the United States. One was a naval chaplain. The other was a sailor stationed on the USS Arizona.

Father Aloysius Schmitt

Father Schmitt was one of 66 Catholic chaplains to pay the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Coincidentally, he was the first chaplain killed.

Ordained a priest in 1935, Fr. Schmitt did pastoral care in Iowa and Wyoming before joining the chaplain corps.  He would accept a commission from the navy and became a chaplain on board the USS Oklahoma.  He felt that these sailors and marines needed the sacraments and he tirelessly administer the sacraments to them. He saw the ship and its crew as his parish.

After celebrating Sunday Mass on board, Pearl Harbor was attacked. The ship would be hit with nine torpedoes and numerous bombs before it rolled over in 50 feet of water. Fr. Schmitt stayed behind refusing to leave or accept a life jacket as he allowed at least six more sailors escaped before the ship finally sunk. He and 429 would die.

Fr Schmitt and the others on the fated ship had their remains scattered or could not be identified. Finally in 2016, Fr. Schmitt was identified thanks to both modern science and the prayers of the faithful of Dubuque. His remains were buried in the chapel of Loras College later named in his honor.

Ensign William I Halloran

The Halloran family's lives changed when they received a telegram on December 12th.

“The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son Ensign William I Halloran United States Naval Reserve was lost in action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country,” the telegram began.

Before leaving to answer the call, Bill, as he was called by his family, had a promising career as a writer. He was even the prodigy of an All-American boy. He loved his family and every minute he got to spend with them. He also became a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In June 1941, Halloran was sent to Hawaii on board the USS Arizona. Six months later, he would become one of the first casualties of the war. Halloran would receive the following posthumous awards: Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and American Defense Service Medal.

Through his heroic example, his family would help with the war efforts and as the years went on, he was honored by Ohio and Hawaii Knights alike.

Indeed, December 7th, 1941, is a date that has lived in infamy. It is a day we remember the heroic sacrifice of two of the first Catholics who laid down their lives for others as an act of love.

Never forget.