John J. Doody
May 18, 1925 - July 23, 2011
Colonel John J. Doody was born in Jersey City,
New Jersey, May 18, 1925 to Dr and Mrs. William Doody. Jack
attended Xavier High School in New York City
and graduated in 1942. He attended Columbia University for year
and then enlisted in the Navy 1943-1944 serving on a mine sweeper
in WWII.
Attended West Point 1944-1948 and upon his graduation he was
assigned to the 24th Infantry Division Japan. In June of 1950
Jack was called upon
to deploy with LTC Brad Smith, Task Force Smith, to engage the
North Koreans just north of Osan Korea in the First Battle of the
Korean War.
1st LT Doody fought gallantly as did others while conducting a
delaying operation on 5 July 1950 while in heavy contact with
several thousand North Korean regulars
Jack is very proud of TF Smith's actions that day and their
Commander LTC Brad Smith.
Jack eventually rejoined his unit, B CO/ 1-21 Infantry and within
a month received a battlefield promotion to Captain and took
charge of his company just prior
to the break out of the Pusan perimeter. He lead his company in
an assault river crossing to outflank two enemy machine gun
positions that had the rest of the battalion pinned down.
He led his unit and assaulted through two enemy positions and
relieved pressure for the rest of the battalion to cross. For his
actions that day he received the Silver Star.
CPT Jack Doody, would continue to command his company in numerous
combat operations from the Naktong River to the Yalu and finally
culminating at the 34th parallel.
His action in command would earn him the Combat Infantry Badge,
which he was honored to wear. He was also part of the Military
Society of the Blue Badge
(fraternity of combat infantrymen).
After Korea Jack went on to serve in Germany and helped with the
activation of the German Army 1955. Served as the
Secretary of the General staff,
Eighth Army, 62-63. Commanded the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry,
Fort Lewis, WA. 63-65. Jack continued his service in Washington
serving on the Army Staff
in R&D and did a tour in Vietnam at MACV Headquarters 69-70.
He eventually landed in Germany and served as the Chief of Staff,
1st Infantry Division (FWD)
Augsburg 70-72. Success continued to move his career as the
Special Assistant to Chief of Staff, SHAPE 72-74. Jack culminated
his career as the Professor of
Military Science at Norwich University 74-78. He stayed on at
Norwich to serve on the staff until his last retirement in 1981
when he and Jean moved to Flordia
Jack's 31 year career spanned three Wars and numerous assignments
with troops and in key staff positions. He touched many lives
over the course of career
and many have touched him with their honor and sacrifice.
Jack was a devoted Catholic from his early days at home and
especially while attending Xavier High School. While in
retirement both Jack and Jean
devoted themselves to their local parish and were involved in
building three churches as well as being the Lector for each
church. His personal involvement
and devotion to the Catholic Church made a difference in
establishing these three churches, which provided a place for
local Catholics to worship.
.
Jack was deeply devoted to his wife of 62 years, Jean Kilbride
from Stratford CT. Jean was with Jack saying prayers on 23 July
2011 when he passed away
He is also survived by three sons, Jay Doody and his Wife Milded
from New Haven CT, COL (RET) USAF and Mrs Jim Doody, wife Clarie
with three grand kids
CPT Alyssa and Patrick Martell and their great grand child
Hunter, Catlin and William, COL (RET) Army, and Mrs. Mark Doody,
wife Kathy and two grand kids
Laura and Matthew. He is also survived by his sister Gertrude
Kennelly from New Haven CT.
A viewing will be held Wednesday 27 July from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at
the Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria
VA. 22315.
A funeral mass will be held 28 July, 1030, St. Raymond of
Penafort Catholic Church, 8750 Pohick Road, Springfield, VA.
COL Doody will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery pending
notification of a date.
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