Tiernan, L. Curtis, 1884-1960

L. Curtis Tiernan was born on July 13, 1884 in St. Louis, Missouri. About 1903 he graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and in 1906 he received an A.B. from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Around 1910, he studied at the North American College in Rome, Italy, and on May 21, 1910 he was ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest at St. John Basilica in Rome, Italy. From 1917 to 1919, Tiernan served as Chaplain in the 129th Field Artillery 35th Division, U.S. Army. From September 26 to November 11, 1918, he administered to the wounded at the Meuse-Argonne offensive for two days and nights. For this work, he received the Legion of Merit, and in 1918 he received the Silver Star for gallantry. In 1919, he established the St. Louis Parish near Swope Park in Kansas City, Missouri. In August 1922, he became pastor of Saint Agnes in Springfield, Missouri. On January 7, 1929, he re-entered the U.S. Army as an Army Chaplain with the rank of Lieutenant. On July 13, 1942, he arrived in England to begin service in the European Theater during World War II. From September 1943 to June 1948, he served as Chief Chaplain in the European Theater, and established a training school for Chaplains. He founded the Soldiers' Apostolic Union with Lt. Robert J. Curtis. For his service in the U.S. Army, he received the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star. Additionally, in 1944, Tiernan was named Domestic Prelate and received the title Right Reverend Monsignor by Pope Pius XII. On July 23, 1945, he was President Truman's personal guest at the Potsdam Conference. In 1948, he retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel. In Kansas City, Missouri in May 1960, he celebrated his 50 year golden jubilee in service as a priest. Tiernan died at St. Mary's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri on June 20, 1960.