United States Navy Chaplain Corps - Yearbook

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Now the boys and girls were happy and few were afraid. Singing as they left, the children made their mark upon the Christmas of a battalion of Marines, made it one they would never forget! Santa Claus had been there that day! Another Christmas project was that undertaken by the chaplains of the llth Marine Artillery Regiment, Chaplains William P. Lane, Catholic, and Noah L. McDowell, Southern Baptist. Through the courtesy of Minnesota Mining 81 Manufacturing Co., and the Revere Camera Co., 5,000 recording tapes were flown to Korea. Brief messages were recorded by thousands of Marines and mailed to their loved ones back home. In addition the homefolks could record and return reply messages to the Marines. Just prior to Christmas Chaplain Charles T. Dug- gan completed his tour of duty with the lst Division. He was subsequently awarded a Commendation Medal with Combat HV . The citation read in part, During an intense barrage of enemy mortar fire, he un- hesitatingly went to the forward area to give spiritual guid- ance and aid the wounded. On one occasion, he voluntarily went to a forward aid station to be with the wounded during a period of intense enemy action. The new roster of the lst Division for January in- cluded a number of new chaplains. These were Chaplains G. E. Kuhn, Lutheran, W. Rowland, Epis- copal, K. D. Killin, Presbyterian, USA, C. Moore, Methodist, R. W. Shreffler, Presbyterian, USA, K. H. Ernst, Presbyterian, USA, A. S. M. Kirkland, Naza- rene, P. Byrnes, Catholic, R. L. Crabtree, Method- ist, R. G. Hutcheson, Jr., Presbyterian, US, L. W. Meachum, Southern Baptist, E. Kelly, Catholic, W. H. Vinson, Southern Baptist, and T. Moore, Catholic. In a letter of the 29th Chaplain Meachum indi- cated that another visitor was expected on the 31st, Bishop Austin Pardue, Episcopal, from Pittsburgh. Also things were about to happen in Washington. After a long and fruitful period as Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain Stanley Salisbury was turning over the helm to Chaplain E. B. Harp, Jr. This transfer occurred on the lst of February. Chaplain Salisbury had had more than 30 years of naval service. He entered the naval chaplaincy in 1921, but he had served in World War I as an Army chaplain. He served as Chief of Chaplains from 1 September 1949-1 February 1953. His new position was in the service of his denomina- tion in a new post as chairman of a special committee of chaplains and service personnel fPresbyterian Church, USAJ . The ninth Chief of Chaplains, Rear Adm. Edward B. Harp, Jr., was a clergyman of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and came to his new position with a wealth of naval experience, having served in a num- ber of billets during the course of 23 years. His most recent assignment had been Assistant for Planning in the Chaplains Division. To return to the lst Division, in February Chaplain Calvin H. Elliott was detached from the Division but not without recognition by the Commanding General. His citation reads in part, During periods when the unit was engaged in extensive combat against the enemy, he provided moral and spiritual guidance to all men of the regiment. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety and comfort, he aided in the evacuation of the wounded. The following month saw the detachment of an- other chaplain, Albert D. Prickett, who was awarded the Bronze Star medal. Of the deeds of this chaplain the following are among those listed, Through his profound sincerity and unerring skill in the administration of the spiritual needs of the command, he was a constant source of inspiration and comfort. Despite the extreme danger of enemy mortar and artillery fire, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and made repeated trips to the front lines in order to aid the men. During one engagement, he unhesitatingly directed armored personnel carriers loaded with wounded Marines through impact areas to a place of safety. As a result of his personal courage and selfless devotion, he was instru- mental in saving the lives of several wounded Marines. For something on the lighter side as reported by Chaplain Homer L. Schnick, Southern Baptist, of the lst Service Battalion, who at least on one occasion went on a tour of the various shower units attached to the infantry battalions, he states, It was amusing to think about how men were required to wear helmets and Hack jackets to the showers and then take their showers, .vans everything. In connection with the shower units, it is well to point out that the shower units in operation near the front line positions where the men could clean up occasionally and exchange their dirty clothes for clean ones feven if they didn't always get the proper sizesll were among the best morale boosters the men had. Men came from the muddy trenches and bunkers covered with mud and dirt, and left clean and considerably braced up. Sometimes rear area units may not be credited properly for the part they had in supplying gear and services, but having served with such a group, I believe that they deserve a pat on the back for a job well done. From showers to bread to ice cream fone assistant I had stated that the first meal that he had in Korea after he got to the front lines in the month of February 1953, he had ice cream, among other things, for breakfastlj to shoe, tent, and Hack jacket repair the services of the lst Service Battalion ran. Morale was not as good in the rear areas probably because the sense of mis- sion and glory was not as keen, but they served as did the front line riflemen. -165-

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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-

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During its stay with the Division, Chaplain John P. Byrnes reports that he administered the Sacra- ments for the Army detachment at Panmunjom once a week, and Chaplain Karl H. Ernst reports that he never worked so hard in his life in the holding of services. Chaplain Ernst also reports on the value of tours to Seoul that gave his men an opportunity to see another side of the Korean people and their culture. It was about this time that some consideration was given to an extension of the period of a tour of duty for the chaplains to 12 months instead of 10. On 26 February Chaplain Meachum wrote to the Chief of Chaplains stating, I am glad that you decided to keep it at 10 months. This is tough going in the dust, cold, heat, mud, 'incoming,' and what with one and two services a day and all a man can stand up to on Sunday? A A glance at the roster of February indicates the following new chaplains, B. Conlon, Catholic, A. Barry, Catholic, R. E. Brengartner, Catholic, E. V. Lyons, Presbyterian QUSAQ, L. F. Rice, Catholic, T. V. Edwards, Catholic, and W. H. Nordby, Lutheran. In March the Division Chaplain indicates that there is a concentrated effort in the promulgation of Char- acter Education Programs underway. In a personal letter fentered in his filej dated 20 March we also read for the first time of retreats being set up for chap- lains. He writes, All of our chaplains are invited to meet Chaplain Bennett at I Corps Chapel on 8 April. In lieu of this trip to I Corps we will not have our regular monthly Protestant retreat in April. We have had fine fellowship at these meetings since I came. Our fellows did not pay much attention to the re- treat before the January meeting. They do not feel that they should leave their outfits. However, I am going to insist that they go. We get a chance to meet the chaplains in the Commonwealth and 2d Divisions. They secure an outstanding missionary or native to speak in the morning and the divisions rotate with the devotional period after lunch. He further mentioned action on the front 18 March, he says, We had 89 casualties the night of the 18th, 9 KIA's with superficial wounds accounting for the most of the others. Our boys QCHCJ are doing a wonderful job. The battles which took place this same month caused a number of chaplains to record their experi- ences. One such account was entitled On a Hill Far Away and was written by Chaplain Allen Newman. Because it vividly describes a chaplain in action it is recorded in full as follows, I couldn't get any closer to the ground which I hugged with all my body. The enemy mortars and artillery shells were landing and whistling around us. How did I, the chaplain, ever get way out here was the question I kept asking myself? It all happened so fast! It wasn't planned that way! The plans were for a show the next Sunday, a choir that was to sing for Easter, a series of Lenten services. A nice and quiet weekend. The men had been rehearsing for the Palm Sunday variety show during the past 4 nights. The choir just 2 nights ago had practiced for Sunday serv- ices. Then last night in the middle of rehearsals the 30 minute alert was given to all troops of the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. There was trouble on the lines, several out- posts were under attack. With rapid and precisionlike move- ment the 2d Battalion began to ready for battle. The trucks started arriving during the night, their engines roaring out the noise of their coming. In the darkness of the early morning the men climbed into the trucks bound for a destination unknown. There were no bands to cheer them, only the voices of the platoon sergeants and officers piercing the night with curt cries, all right keep movingf' There was excitement in the air and anticipation made many a heart beat faster. One company, then another, pulled out toward the front line in the direction of the 5th Marines sector and away from the security and peace of our reserve camp. We had been in reserve for just 2 weeks and expected to stay there for at least 2 more weeks but the enemy wasn't cooperating with our plans and hopes. All that night the sound of artillery and the light of flares re- minded us that there was crisis ahead-a dangerous oppor- tunity for the battalion. With the coming of daylight the flares and artillery shells stopped their ceaseless flow. Quiet became the early morn- ing hour's song. I tried to take stock of all my men, to locate all the widely scattered companies. All the companies were still waiting the word as to what they were going to do. The outposts Reno and Carson had fallen to the enemy during the night. Rumors were making a rapid tour of the companies- Easy Company is going to take Reno back - Dog Company was to helpf' No one knew just what was going to happen. Easy Company was in a position to move out at any moment. I walked among these men that I knew and loved, talking, joking, just being with them as they worried and wondered what was in the future for them. I wondered too. The morning passed quickly with Easy Company. Early in the afternoon word came that Fox Company had been committed to recapture outpost Vegas from the enemy. They had already started up the hill and were in close range fighting with the enemy. The battle was on! There were four chaplains besides myself in the immediate vicinity. They were seeing the wounded and dead as they came through the medical aid stations. My men were fighting for their lives. I had to go with them. And there I was in the advanced Fox Com- pany C.P. which was set up in a gully at the closest tip of Vegas. It was 1630 on Friday, 27 March when I got out there. I had gone out with a platoon of Weapons Company men who had been organized into stretcher teams and supply carriers. We were waiting for darkness to come so that we could remove the many wounded men who were still up on the hillsides. It was too hazardous to attempt relief during the daylight hours. Bad news travels fast and -166-