05/24/2026
The grave of Lt. William F. Davitt in Calvary Cemetary was brought to our attention as having no American flag leading into Memorial Day. A native of Holyoke, Davitt was a Catholic priest and a highly decorated Army Chaplain having been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star for acts of heroism. Rev. Davitt is widely considered the last American officer killed in WWI. He was KIA an hour and 15 minutes before the armistice that ended the war took effect.
The father has a bridge named for him in Chicopee and a memorial at Arlington. His Holyoke grave is impressive but it lacks the marker that is normally associated with veteran’s stones. As a result the veterans group that decorates cemeteries probably misses his grave.
The Holyoke Knights of Columbus was pleased to place American flags around Davitt’s grave before Memorial Day to honor his sacrifice. We will also attempt to raise his case with the VA for the grave marker that he earned. This place of honor should not be overlooked.