United States Navy Chaplain Corps - Yearbook

Page 181 text:

2 I a X .5 e I Stateside Christmas Gifts. Children of St. Paul Orphanage receive Christmas gifts sent from the States and delivered by the 2d Battalion, lst Marines. Their chaplain, Gerald E. Kuhn, is seen on the right holding one of the orphans. Xu .4 Chaplains' Conference. The chaplains gather for a conference at the lst Marine Division Command Post. In the front row Qfrom left to rightb are Chaplains A. W. Boyerg E. A. Wolfram, Jr.g Oscar Weber: R. F. Barlikg J. T. Callahan: fin the second rowzj N. L. McDowellg J. C. Brown, Jr.g B. N. Wolfeg R. Siegelq C. E. Elliott, Jr.g P. Adamsg fin the third rowzj A. F. Mendonsa: W. P. Laneg A. D. Prickettg E. A. Slatteryg W. D. McCabeg R. H. Willetsg V. J. Lustig: B. J. Nowakowski: Clast rowj E. S. Jonesg F. J. Forneyg G. W. Herrickg A. W. Robertsong L. A. Guillaumeg C. T. Duggan: H. C. Bowling, Jr.: and J. H. Muller. 535332 0'-604-12 1 f

Page 180 text:

Christmas Visitor. Billy Graham chats with Maj. Gen. Edwin A. Pollock, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division during Graham's visit to Korea during the Christmas season, 1952. Chaplains. General Pollock has his picture taken with the chaplains of his division. The photograph was taken 19 December 1952 at Yongji-ri. Mural. This painting is the work of artist, Sgt. Russell Vickers, and was given to the 1st Engineer Battalion Chapel where it was placed over the altar. New Chapel. A new chapel is erected near Wosan- ri by the lst Engineer Battalion to which Chaplain Karl H. Ernest is assigned. The chapel was dedi- cated 4 January 1953 with General Pollock and Chaplain Meachum participating in the service. The Predecessor. Here is pictured the chapel formerly used by the lst Engi- neering Battalion. Note the stacks which indicate the presence of an underground heating system fashioned after the Koreans. 5 'I 2 --as -152- .aa- uvft--as -v' f'.,- fix M . I I I ..s W .V , ' - 1, -- AW ,

Page 182 text:

one of those who stood to rededicate himself. We would have had more to attend if I Corps had not changed the day and hour at the last minute. We were told at first that he would be here on the 22d. Cardinal Spellman's Mass was at 0830 on Christmas Day. About 2,000 attended. He preached a fine sermon and shook hands with about 1,000 men. Strumski developed a good choir for the Mass. Our own services were 'gout of this world on Christmas. One's limit in Spiritual Ministry here is his physical stamina. I preached six times the first Sunday. However, I am ar- ranging for church parties to come in to headquarters so I can visit more. For instance, I have been to one chapel dedication and General Pollock and I are to go to another 2 next Sunday. Chaplain Slattery came to my candlelight service and I went to his Mass. I accused him of stealing my thunder in his sermon. Then Spellman stole from both of us. Ed was a very popular Division chaplain. He received the Legion of Merit on Christmas night. He left on Saturday with tears in his eyes and joy in his heart. Chaplain Slattery's Legion of Merit was awarded by General Pollock. The citation reads in part as follows: Commander Slattery displayed outstanding ability and foresight in caring for the spiritual welfare of all the Ma- rines in the division. An understanding, capable, wise, and persevering leader, he organized his section in such a man- ner that spiritual services and guidance were always avail- able. Frequently making journeys throughout the division, in the most adverse weather and terrain conditions, he ex- pressed little concern for his personal welfare in order that all the Marines might receive the opportunity to attend serv- ices of their own particular faith. Commander Slattery's perseverance, friendly manner and selliess devotion to the men he served were an inspiration to all who observed him. His skilled service and exemplary conduct throughout this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. Combat VH was authorized. With the approach of Christmas other Marine chaplains were busy with holiday projects. Chaplain G. E. Kuhn worked with the 2d Battalion, lst Ma- rines, in .distributing gifts sent by the Telephone Em- ployee's Volunteer Service of San Francisco. Visits were paid to orphanages operated by the Yong Nok Presbyterian Church and the Sisters of St. Paul. Once again children were happy because Marines had played Santa Claus. Another such project was described by Chaplain Thos. Allen Newman of the 2d Battalion, 7th Ma- rines. Because of the scarcity of material a small Santa Claus suit was constructed. Toys were a must, for children had to have toys at Christmas . . . The supply system of a Marine battalion does not have 2 Chapel for lst Engineering Battalion. such items in stock so many Marines were enlisted in the search for candy and toys. Where all the mate- rials and toys came from is a mystery left unsolvedf, Forty foster fathers were selected from the Marines. Children were found in a refugee village. In fact there were over a thousand there. The ones doing best in school were selected. The mess hall was dec- orated with real trees. Christmas cards were on each table with plenty of candy for the children. At the appointed time a truck picked up its colorful and unusual cargo. The children, ranging in age from 8 to 11 but looking much younger, were dressed in bright Korean costumes and as they traveled along they sang Korean songs for their escorts. Their arrival was eagerly awaited by all who wanted a kid of his own. Bashful and a little frightened the children climbed down from the truck into ther many pairs of outstretched Marines arms. Rivalry was keen to get a particular child and cries of that one is mine, ' started a small discussion in several cases. The foster father secured food for the child and assisted in the cutting and eating of it. Some children were too frightened by the, mass of men to be very hungry while others didn't care for the food. The bolder ones ate with complete disregard for the huge group of interested spectators. Peculiar appetites soon became evident, for some children would eat only bread and jam while others would only eat potatoes. One thing that all enjoyed was the candy, no one had any trouble feed- ing their kidi' candy. Several Marines insisted that their charges take home vast numbers of candy bars which they placed in the pockets and hands of the little ones. Im- promptu singing would start in one corner of the hall and all would stop to listen as one small girl would sing the Ko- rean love song A Arirangg joining in all the children would sing with her. This pleased the Marines and resulted in loud cheers and applause. Santa Claus was next on the program. Outside the mess hall beside one of the Christmas trees St. Nick sat with his bags of toys. Each child got the presents which were intended for him or her and then with the help of the foster father they would play with them. These were toy trains, clowns, Santa Clauses, and dolls. The children received gum and candy again and again as Santa Claus emptied his bags. Several hundred onlookers crowded around the ac- tivity taking pictures, holding the children or playing with them. Each man wanted his picture taken with one of the children. The lst Marine Division Band was there to play for the affair. Seated in the outdoor movie area with their guardians the children listened to the American music. They in turn sang in Korean for all the Marines such songs as Silent Night and other Christmas carols. The Marines, not to be inhospitable, responded with a loud rendition of Jingle Bells. As the children began to get restless and tired, the signal was given for all children to be returned to the truck. Their hands full of candy and toys each child was tenderly lifted up into the truck by strong hands. A count was made and it was discovered that two children were missing. Two of the Marines had taken their offspring, to answer the call of nature. Even in Korea the duties of a parent'l never change. The farewell was very different from the welcome. -164-