After the Second World War, Jerome was completing his doctoral studies at Forhdam University when he volunteered to become a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. After receiving his commission and the rank of lieutenant, he served at the Naval Training School in Rhode Island. He desired to be "given a ship" in a combat zone where he could be of most assistance to those who were in real danger. In June of 1944 he was overjoyed to be assigned to the USS Curtiss in the Pacific arena.
One year later, just hours after the Battle of Okinawa had ended, the Curtiss was anchored at Kerama Retto, just 20 miles southwest of Okinawa, when it was attacked by an enemy plane. Jerome suffered a brain concussion in the kamikaze attack and was killed instantly. He was found seated in his chair with his head in his arms as if praying.
First buried in the U.S. Armed Forces Cemetery on Zimami Island, in 1949 his remains were moved to the Capuchin cemetery in Yonkers.
After the Second World War, Jerome was completing his doctoral studies at Forhdam University when he volunteered to become a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. After receiving his commission and the rank of lieutenant, he served at the Naval Training School in Rhode Island. He desired to be "given a ship" in a combat zone where he could be of most assistance to those who were in real danger. In June of 1944 he was overjoyed to be assigned to the USS Curtiss in the Pacific arena.
One year later, just hours after the Battle of Okinawa had ended, the Curtiss was anchored at Kerama Retto, just 20 miles southwest of Okinawa, when it was attacked by an enemy plane. Jerome suffered a brain concussion in the kamikaze attack and was killed instantly. He was found seated in his chair with his head in his arms as if praying.
First buried in the U.S. Armed Forces Cemetery on Zimami Island, in 1949 his remains were moved to the Capuchin cemetery in Yonkers.
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