United States Navy Chaplain Corps - Yearbook

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Field Mass. Chaplain John J. O'Neill celebrates mass in the field for marines at a forward position. meritorious conduct . . . as Division Chaplain for a Marine division during operations against the enemy in Korea from 8 October 1951 to 16 April 1952. The citation continues: Commander Peck displayed exceptional ability and fore- sight in caring for the spiritual welfare of all the Marines coming under his jurisdiction. An understanding and capa- ble leader, wise and persevering, he organized his section in such an outstanding manner that spiritual services and guidance were always available to those who were in the greatest need. Frequently making journeys throughout the entire division in the most adverse conditions of weather and terrain, he worked long and arduous hours with little con- cem for his personal health, in order to insure that all Marines received the opportunity to attend services in their own particular faith. Chaplain John O'Neill was awarded the Air Medal for the period 19 November 1951 to 8 January 1952. His citation reads in part: Utilizing air transportation to reach the front line units, Lieutenant fjg.j O'Neill repeatedly flew over action combat areas in a slow, unarmed aircraft to conduct religious services for friendly troops at the front. Chaplain O'Neill also received the Letter of Com- mendation award for action on 8 January 1952. When well-entrenched enemy forces gained fire superi- ority over a Marine patrol, inflicting heavy casualties, Lieu- tenant O'Neill left his battalion command post immediately and proceeded to the scene of the battle in order to give spiritual aid to members of the patrol. Alone and unarmed, with no thought for his own personal safety, he fearlessly worked his way through intense enemy fire to reach the patrol and for 45 minutes exposed himself while adminis- tering last rites to the wounded and dying. To the other members of the patrol, his shouted words of encouragement served as a constant source of inspiration. Ridge-Runners Rewarded Five other chaplains received the Letter of Com- mendation with Combat V for periods of service terminating within the 7th Campaign. It is instruc- tive to read their citations, noting how frequently is mentioned their ministry to small Marine units dug in on the mountainous slopes of northeastern Korea. The citation of Chaplain Robert N. Ruleman, for the period 14 September 1951 to 17 January 1952, reads in part: On numerous occasions he refused opportunities to retire to safer areas in the rear. His creed lay in serving with the Fighting Man, and regardless of the situation he remained with the front line troops. Whether it was to solace the weary, comfort the wounded, or dispense the Word of God, he discharged his responsibilities in a manner which pro- vided a reverent inspiration to all who observed him. Chaplain William E. Brooks, Jr., was cited for the period from 29 October 1951 to 29 January 1952. While the regiment was committed in defensive action against the enemy, he personally visited every man on the front lines many times. He conducted divine services in the forward-most areas when it was impossible for men to attend services elsewhere. Chaplain Vincent Lonergan's citation, covering the period from 28 October 1951 to 4 February 1952, indicates how widespread a chaplain's ministry might be. Lieutenant Commander Lonergan, serving as the regi- ment's Catholic chaplain, worked tirelessly with complete disregard for his health and personal safety, to give spiritual aid not only to the men in the regiment but to two medical companies, Army engineers, Marine engineers, and Marine service troops. On one occasion he fearlessly exposed him- self to intense enemy fire to give spiritual consolation to the wounded Marines of an artillery battery and to members of an infantry regiment's command post. Chaplain Joseph P. F. Gallagher was commended for service as a regimental chaplain from 16 January to 4 April 1952. Working for the most part under the most adverse ter- rain and climate conditions, and often in areas that were exposed to enemy mortar and small arms fire, he faithfully held services for and administered to the men and oflicers of the regiment. The citation accompanying Chaplain Robert G. F enning's award, covering the period 25 January-30 April 1952, states the case very explicitly. He constantly ministered to the spiritual needs of the men in the battalion by going from bunker to bunker in order not to assemble a group of men where they could be -128-

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N I Believe. Father James Follard, CP, teaches the beliefs of the Catholic faith during a mission conducted in Korea. Chaplains fleft to rightl lending their support are John O'Neill, Joseph Gallagher, and Vincent Lonergan. Chaplain Edward A. Slattery, having reported to the Division earlier, relieved Peck on 17 April. In his first letter as Division Chaplain to the Chief of Chaplains, he reported: On Easter we had over 80 Divine Services. In order to conduct them the boys hit the road for a total of well over 500 miles and that mileage is not on any straight smooth highway. Just before Peck was relieved he had been visited by his opposite number, the Reverend W. W. P. Rhys, senior chaplain to the Forces of the lst Com- monwealth Division, an Anglican priest, veteran of campaigns with the Royal Army in North Africa, East Africa, and Palestine. Slattery was present at the meeting. Toward the end of his duty Chaplain Peck wrote to Chaplain Salisbury: I can honestly say this tour of duty has taught me a great deal as a senior chaplain, and it has been a constant inspira- tion and challenge to see the way the chaplains give of them- selves to stomp these hills in the cold to visit their men. I feel like Bob Schwyhart lDivision Chaplain from September 1950 to 20 February 19511 who wrote me when I was com- ing out-he said he wouldn't want to go through it again, but he wouldn't take anything for the experience. I believe some of our most trying times are our most rewarding experiences. Citations Chaplain Peck was subsequently awarded the Le- gion of Merit with Combat V for exceptionally, Front Line Easter Services. Chaplain Melvin E. Torstrick conducts Easter moming services for the 3d Battalion, lst Marines, near the front lines. Relief. Chaplain Walter S. Peck, Jr., is relieved as division chaplain by Chaplain E. A. Slattery fleftj 17 April 1952. ..l. -fw ' -127-

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targets for enemy artillery or mortar fire. Traveling through extreme cold, stormy weather over rugged mountainous terrain, he continually stayed with the men, giving instruc- tions and conducting religious services without regard for his personal safety. MAW Chaplain Personnel Acting Wing Chaplain Seymour's report to the Chief of Chaplains dated 12 February 1952 detailed the following personnel picture. Chaplain R. D. Cleaves had departed on 1 February, and Seymour was giving Protestant coverage to Marine Aircraft Group 33 in addition to his own duties. Chaplain Horvath, transferred to headquarters, was replaced at Marine Aircraft Group 12 by Chaplain La Duca. E. R. Weidler remained as Protestant chaplain in MAG 12. A. Sullivan continued as Roman Catholic chaplain in MAG 33. Chaplain Harrison was still in Pusan, attached to the Marine antiaircraft artillery battalion. There was no Navy chaplain with the units at Itami. The Chaplains Division had run into unexpected diiiiculties in detailing a replacement for Chaplain Barnes as Wing Chaplain. Bames had received or- ders in October 1951 detaching him on the arrival of his relief, Chaplain E. R. Brewster. Because of serious illness in his family, Barnes was detached in November without relief. On 5 December Chaplain Brewster's orders were modified, granting him 20 days delay because of the illness of his father, and on 19 December his orders to the lst Marine Aircraft Wing were canceled because of further illness in l1is family. On 26 December Chaplain Joseph F. Parker was or- Worship for Replacements. A large group of Marine replacements on their way to front- line duty with the lst Division attend services conducted by Chaplain Robert C. Fenning. ' . ...K dered to the Wing but his orders were canceled be- cause his wife was critically ill. On 29 December Chaplain William Kuhn was ordered but upon physical examination was hospitalized in San Francisco. After this series of setbacks the Air Wing Com- manding General, C. F. Schilt, wrote directly to Chap- lain Salisbury: The lst Marine Air Wing is one of the few organizations of the Naval Service engaged in land combat and has per- sonnel at five main locations in Korea and one in Japan. As you know an adequate number of competent chaplains is essential to good morale in an organization committed as we are. Under the circumstances I believe you will agree with me that the Wing has not received proper treatment, having been without a Wing Chaplain since November. After commending Seymour's work as Acting Wing Chaplain and suggesting a couple of chaplains he would like to have if available, the General concluded, If a more senior chaplain is not readily available, Chaplain Seymour is entirely acceptable as Wing Chaplainf, A postscript, handwritten, extended an invitation to the Chief of Chaplains to come to Korea himself for a tour of inspection. Chaplain Salisburyis reply, after explaining the sit- uation described just above, noted that Chaplain Par- ker's orders had been reinstated, and added, I only wish that I could get out to see you but there are cer- tain pressures here which require my presence for sometime to come. Parker reported on 18 April 1952 and the lst Marine Aircraft Wing once again had a Wing Chaplain. Divine Services Most chaplains would regard their religious ministry as encompassing more than services of divine worship, but nothing they do, they would say, is more funda- mentally important. The following statistics, included in the quarterly report ending 31 March 1952 sub- mitted by Force Chaplain Martell H. Twitchell, cov- ering all activities of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, indicate the zeal of clergymen in uniform in provid- ing a ministry of worship. During March 14 chap- lains reported conducting from 32 to 96 separate services each. The live who conducted the greatest number were the following: Com- Serv- Attend- muni- ices ance cant: J. H. Sullivan. MAG 33 .... 96 2, 163 1, 132 H. A. Seymour .... lst MAW. . 53 1, 663 360 R. C. Fenning. Sth Marines ..... 45 984 136 E. R. Weidler. MAG 12 ...... 43 1, 570 190 Geo. F elder, jr 7th Marines 40 647 364 --129-