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Lalor, Fr John

Date of birth:
1897 (Cork, Ireland)
Date of death:
February 13th, 1945 (Manila, Philippines)
Nationality:
Irish

Biography

Perished in the Malate Church during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. He was killed in the bombing of the hospital, the Malate Church Hospital, which the Priests had established at the church with the Maryknoll Sisters and Red Cross, and then took over when the Red Cross left. As the Japanese did not have the capacity by that time to run any arial bombing raids over Manila, the likelihood is that the Church was mistakenly hit by the Americans.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
"Father John Lalor, Citizen of Ireland. For meritorious service which has aided the United States in the prosecution of the war against Japan in the Southwest Pacific Area, from 1942 to February 1945. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands, Father Lalor was an important link in the underground that supplied food, medicine, clothing and messages to prisoners of war and internees. He, with other priests of his order, operated a hospital in their school building and were able to feed and give medical care to many. While operating a store outside Nichols Field, he was able to give the prisoners much extra food and necessities, at great risk to his life. He was arrested by the Japanese, later released, and died in the battle of Manila in February 1945. By his outstanding bravery, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, Father Lalor made a distinct contribution to the cause of freedom."

Posthumously awarded
Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm

Sources