On November 11, 1918, the world was preparing to celebrate the end of World War I. An armistice had been signed, and at precisely 11 a.m., the guns would fall silent.
But for one Catholic priest serving on the front lines in France, the end of the war would come just a little too late.
Fr. William Francis Davitt was a 32-year-old Army chaplain serving with the 32nd Division near the Argonne Forest. A former football captain at the College of the Holy Cross, he had volunteered to serve his country when the United States entered the war in 1917.
And he had already distinguished himself as a man of extraordinary courage.
During fighting along the Vesle River in August 1918, Fr. Davitt led a group of volunteers through heavy machine-gun fire to rescue 40 wounded soldiers. Remarkably, every man was rescued without injury to those who saved them.
For his bravery during the fighting, he received the French Croix de Guerre. He was also awarded the Silver Star for gallantry while burying the dead under enemy fire.
Fr. Davitt was not a priest who remained safely behind the lines. He accompanied his men into battle, ministered to the wounded, and risked his life to ensure that fallen soldiers received a proper burial.
On the morning of November 11, he knew the war was almost over.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., Fr. Davitt climbed a tree near his regimental headquarters to hang an American flag in celebration of the approaching peace.
According to an account published in The Stars and Stripes, he climbed down, saluted the flag, and gave a loud cheer. Moments later, a German artillery shell exploded nearby, killing him instantly.
Fr. Davitt became known as the last American officer killed in World War I, just 75 minutes before the armistice took effect.
The flag he had raised in celebration was later draped over his casket.
His memorial in Holyoke, Massachusetts, remembers him as:
“A lover of humanity. A brave soldier-priest. Beloved by all who knew him.”
As we approach Veterans Day, Fr. Davitt's story reminds us of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our military chaplains. These priests did not simply accompany soldiers into war. They brought Christ to them in the midst of suffering, danger, and death, often at tremendous personal cost.
Fr. Davitt lived his priesthood to the very end.
As we celebrate Veteran’s Day today during America’s 250th anniversary, we remember men like Fr. Davitt, whose courage and sacrifice helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Honor our nation's heritage of faith and freedom with our God Bless America Medium Roast Coffee, packaged in a special commemorative can for this historic anniversary.
Purchase your coffee tin today at The Catholic Company!
