Dominic Ternan was born on November 8, 1902, in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Fordham University in 1927, where he played both football and basketball. After working for New York Telephone, he entered the Franciscan Novitiate in 1934. Ternan pronounced his vows in August of that year and later studied theology at Holy Name College. He was ordained as a priest on September 30, 1937.

In 1942, Father Dominic enlisted in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps and became the chaplain of the 79th Infantry Division. He was known for his endurance and deep dedication to his soldiers, administering to their spiritual and physical needs. On June 19, 1944, during the Battle of Cherbourg, he was killed by a German sniper while giving last rites to a wounded soldier. 1Lt Ternan is now buried in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Mausoleum, Totowa, Passaic County, New Jersey, USA. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry and became the first American Franciscan to die on the battlefield in World War II. His legacy is honored at St. Bonaventure University.