Francis Patrick Duffy was a Canadian American soldier, Catholic priest and military chaplain. Duffy served as chaplain for the 69th Infantry Regiment (known as the “Fighting 69th”), a unit of the New York Army National Guard largely drawn from the city’s Irish-American and immigrant population.
For his actions in the war, Duffy was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Service Medal, the Conspicuous Service Cross (New York State), the Légion d’Honneur (France), and the Croix de Guerre. Father Duffy is the most highly decorated cleric in the history of the U.S. Army.
In the 1940 movie The Fighting 69th, Father Duffy is portrayed by Pat O’Brien.
Father Duffy is commemorated by Duffy Square, which is located in the northern triangle of Times Square between 45th and 47th Streets in Manhattan, New York City, as well as a statue in the square, which portrays Duffy standing in front of a Celtic cross.