Father Heindl, decorated World War II chaplain, dies at 96

Published: 2006-07-25

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) -- Father Elmer W. Heindl, a decorated World War II Army chaplain who often risked his own life to minister to wounded or dying comrades, died July 17 at the age of 96. The funeral Mass for Father Heindl, who was the oldest priest of the Diocese of Rochester, was celebrated July 22 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Greece. He was buried with full military honors at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Rochester. A native of Rochester, Father Heindl was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1910, and was ordained June 6, 1936. After several parish assignments, he became a chaplain in the U.S. Army in 1942 and shipped out to the Pacific Theater, where he witnessed heavy combat yet remained unscathed. One of only 19 World War II chaplains to earn a Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second-highest combat medal, he also was awarded a Silver Star Medal, a Bronze Star Medal and an honorary Purple Heart.

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