John B. DeValles

John B. DeValles (1879–1920) was a Catholic priest who founded the first Portuguese parochial school at Espirito Santo Church in Fall River, Massachusetts, and later served with distinction as a U.S. Army chaplain during World War I. Accounts of his ministry to both Allied and German soldiers were published, and he received honors from both the French and United States government before his death in 1920 of complications from his wartime wounds.

Early life John B. DeValles was born João Baptista DeValles of Azorean and Cape Verdean parentage in São Miguel, Azores in 1879. Two years later his family emigrated to New Bedford, Massachusetts. John attended local schools, then began studying for the priesthood, where he became known for his language aptitude, including fluency in six languages.

New Bedford DeValles began his ministry at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in New Bedford, then became pastor at St. John the Baptist Church. DeValles opened the first Portuguese parochial school in the United States at Espirito Santo Church in Fall River. Soldiers, clergy, and citizens attended and General Clarence Ransom Edwards placed the Distinguished Service Cross on DeValles' chest as the medal had not arrived from Washington before his death. Flags were at half-staff and stores closed for half an hour in tribute. Following the ceremony, a military and civil procession escorted his body to the cemetery where he was interred with full military honors. In 2017, the school was rededicated in his honor. The Massachusetts National Guard, a cornerstone of the 26th Division, presented the school with a bronze relief sculpture of DeValles, and the city with the three medals he had been awarded. Members of his family attended the ceremony.