Father Francis P. Duffy - New York City, NY - Statues of Historic Figures on Waymarking.com

The Smithsonian Inventory (visit link) describes this work thusly:
"Figure of a man in WWI uniform, holding a Bible in his hands. At his feet is a doughboy's helmet and behind the figure is a huge Celtic cross." It also adds these remarks:
"Father Duffy was a chaplain in the World War I "Fighting Irish" 165th Regiment. He was wounded at the front lines and received the Disinguished Service Cross. The statue was a gift of the Fathe rDuffy Memorial Committee and the W. P. A. provided the setting."

The statue is right behind the half-price Broadway theatre tickets kiosk in Times Square. Perhaps you've been on a line waiting to buy tickets and been wrapped around the 1936 bronze statue.

The artist, Charles Keck (1875-1951) was an American sculptor born in New York City. He is best known for his monuments and architectural sculptures. Read more about him at (visit link)

Wikipedia (visit link) informs us that Duffy was the most decorated cleric in the history of the US Army. He had been born in Canada but immigrated to New York City and taught here for a while. He went on to become a member of the faculty at of St. Joseph's Seminary. He served in WWI as a chaplain for the 165th Regiment (previously known as "The Fighting 69th") which was composed primarily of first- and second-generation Irish immigrants from New York City. 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.

URL of the statue: [Web Link]

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