Chaplins – WWII – Intermission Story (21)
Chaplains of World War II indicated that usually they had a chapel in the United States, but almost never once they were abroad. Kenneth W. Fristoe tells of building a thatched roof chapel in the jungles of New Guinea with the help of "Fuzzy Wuzzy" natives, and dedicating it on Mother's Day with an attendance of over 400.
After Pearl Harbor the chaplains in the Philippines were the first to face sustained combat with their men. On 8 December, 150 Japanese planes bombed Pampanga for two hours. While the airfield was bombed and strafed, Chaplain Joseph V. LaFleur went among the wounded and dying to offer prayer and help get them to the hospital. He stayed on Bataan with his men. With 750 other American prisoners, he was crowded into two holds of a Japanese ship. At sea the ship was hit by two torpedoes. The Japanese tried to kill the survivors. Lieutenant Joseph Coe reported that the last he saw of La Fleur, the chaplain was helping wounded men get out of the hold and on the deck. The Japanese shot at them and only two or three survived. La Fleur died as he lived, serving his men.
Chaplains Leslie Zimmerman, John F. Duffy, Matthew Zerbas, John A. Wilson, Alfred C. Oliver, Ralph W. Brown, John K. Bomeman and Robert P. Taylor were among those who distinguished themselves by heroism in the first days of the war. Bomeman went through dangerous lines to Manila at least twice before it fell to the enemy, in order to get messages from his men to their families.
Brown, under fire, earned a Distinguished Service Cross for carrying the wounded from under the nose of the enemy. He said, "We made it to the hospital. I didn't think par- ticularly about it until the thing was over. It was a job to be done." That note was sounded again and again by chaplains all over the world. Time magazine reported that Taylor "gave the most recent superb example of a chaplain's courage ... in braving machine gun fire to rescue the wounded." With the fall of Corregidor and Bataan, 21 chaplains be- came prisoners of the Japanese; within weeks, the total was 32."
The ministry among American prisoners of war in the Pacific was characterized by service under extremely difficult and cruel conditions. Taylor was one of the chaplains on the infamous Bataan death march.
This information is from The Archives.org, contributed by Matt Underwood,
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Farewell Salutes –
Mike Dauncey – UK; British Army # 184738, DSO, Lt. to Brigadier (Ret.) Cheshire Reg.
LeRoy Donahoe – Sioux Falls, SD; US Navy,WWII, PTO
Donald malarky – Astoria, OR; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Easy Company paratrooper
Ottis Gordon – Morton, MS; US Navy, WWII, USS Samuel Parker
Joyce Hansen – Strafford, ENG; Civilian, WWII, English Nat. Fire Service
Wallace Helm – Calgary, CAN; RC Air Force, WWII
Alexander W. Missildine – Tyler, TX; US Army, Iraq, Spc., 710th Batt/3rd BCT/10th Mountain Div.
C.C. ‘Doc’ Privette – Pine Tree, AR; US Army, 11th Airborne Division
Robert Rugeley – Metairie, LA; US Army, WWII, ETO, Engineers
Seth Stone – Houston, TX; US Navy, Commander, SOCPAC
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Posted on October 5, 2017, in Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 1940's, Chaplins, family history, History, Military History, Pacific, Pacific War, Tributes, veterans, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 94 Comments.
Another facet of war one doesn’t learn about in school. Thank you for publishing these stories, GP!
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This one is certainly my pleasure, especially since the information was supplied by a Chaplin I came to correspond with back when he was the editor of the 11th Airborne newspaper, “The Voice of the Angels.”
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That is a great name for the 11th Airborne newspaper!
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After a nun interned in the Los Banos camp by the Japanese saw the 11th Airborne parachutes dropping in for their rescue, she said they looked like Angels dropping out of the sky – the name stuck. [before that, they were General Swing’s 10,000 Thieves] – big difference eh? I grew up thinking of the 11th as a division-size “Dirty Dozen.” haha
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When men face utter despair – the presence of a chaplain, his words – can make all the difference between giving up and building hope (for here and the beyond), I reckon.
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I’m sure they helped many a soldier prepare for the unknown, for killing the enemy and for their own death.
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Honestly? If I were a chaplain, and had to make a choice between facing the enemy in WWI or WWII or facing today’s bureaucracy and regulations? Let me think on that a bit! Of course my tongue’s in my cheek, but not very far. 🙂
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Changed your font, GP? This post didn’t work as usual for me in Mac’s Safari (browser) but came through legibly with Firefox.
Some chaplains were exemplary indeed …
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A little bit here, sorry it gave you trouble. Thought it would look more like the official reports I’ve read from the military.
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Those men were extraordinarily brave, and I suspect that they were of an age when they did not need to be there anyway. For what it’s worth, my Dad said that in the RAF, the clergy, of any denomination, were never in evidence although no doubt, if you had sought them out, they would have been around somewhere. He reserved his praises for the Salvation Army who he said were the only ones there for you with a cup of tea on a cold station platform at 3 o’clock in the morning when nobody else could be bothered.
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Interesting, the differences. My father said everyone praised the Red Cross, but he felt the Salvation Army did far more and kept behind the scenes pretty much, just worked on helping the soldier and their families without any hoopla.
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What “Chaplins”??,I searched.
“Religious leader” also existed in the battlefield as well as Nurse,I surprised! !
Certainly, Japanese always has been praying to “神” .
神(Kami) is neither Jesus nor Allahor etc.., 神= “Power of Nature”.
I learned about cultural differences,Great Thanks!!:D
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You are very welcome, Nasuko. The Chaplins often assisted in caring for the wounded. They helped with morale too, not just religion. You might say they supplied a voice of reason in a chaotic world. I’m very glad you found this interesting.
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I see!:D
Chaplain is the same as position of Nurse.
Both religion or enemy or ally etc.. are irrelevant,Just “help Human being” and “Hope Nobody wound hurt .”
Thanks:D
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I’ve read a lot of war memoirs and chaplains always have some amazing stories to tell. Thanks for sharing!
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My pleasure, they deserve all the recognition they get!
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I have great admiration for chaplains, then and now.
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I knew you would!
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The chaplins with their bible are very courage men and have very much done for the soldiers
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Thank you so much, Mary Lou.
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you very much for sharing this unheard story! Much appreciated, Michael.
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Others to be remembered
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Thank you, Derrick.
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I think that it takes great courage to fight in combat, but to do so armed with a bible is the epitome of faith.
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Amazing me to say the least, Rich!
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Reblogged this on KCJones.
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Thank you very much, Penny. These men were [and are still] very special people!
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Very poignant. One of my friends is a chaplain volunteering with the SES (State Emergency Services). Cut from the same cloth as these brave men.
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I’m certain he must be, Gwendoline! They’re a special breed!
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It surprised me that the chaplains faced such difficult times, but they would have gone where they felt they were needed. That’s what they were called to do. Bless them!
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Isn’t that the truth, Bev!! Their conviction is amazing.
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The chaplains as described in your post showed through their heroic actions that they were of the right spirit. I am glad you helped to keep their memory alive, GP!
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Thank you, Peter. I’m sure Canada has records that read pretty much the same.
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Very interesting and I wasn’t aware of so many bravery actions and details as described in above article. Thank you, GP.
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And this is just a sample of the entire section of the US records. It barely skims the surface. Thank you for reading what I included here.
CHAPLINS KIA
Revolutionary War: 25
War of 1812: 1
Mexican War: 1
Civil War Union: 117
Confederacy: 41
World War I: 23
World War II: 182
Korean War: 13
Vietnam War: 15
Iraq and Afghan Wars: 1 (as of September 2010)
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I notice that these clergymen/chaplains are wearing the uniform of an officer, I think Robert P Taylor is wearing to stars of a Major-General.I recall that in the Australian Army the clergy/chaplains were given officer rank.
I believe that the Royal Navies of Great Britain, and Commonwealth countries the Chaplain has no rank.
The reason given is so that all ranks from the lowest Able Seaman to the highest Admiral of the Fleet can go to the chaplain and be treated as equal in the eyes of the chaplain and “god”.
It was the RN’s belief that the other ranks would be wary and not willing to go to a chaplain if he was given officer status. Apparently it worked very well
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In the US they are officers, but have no duties as far as operations go. They are promoted according to time served, etc. as any other officer. I understand what you’re saying, but have never heard of a Pvt. even being wary of speaking openly to a Chaplin. Different cultures – different rules, I suppose.
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It’s only in the Royal Navy, which in England is known as The Senior Service. Bring an island nation the Royal Navy has always been at the forefront to ward off invasion, an ever present threat, though now an invasion can occur by air, although the sea is still required to support an invading force.
The army & air-force chaplains have rank, usually starting at Captain. I recall when I was in the army 53-55 never going near our chaplain, ever. Or course we had to sling him a salute when passing, seemed out of place/context to me then and still does now.
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I always enjoy hearing differences in organizations and beliefs around the world. The Royal Navy sounds pretty special. It would never cross my mind that a soldier would salute a chaplain.
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many years ago when I was in the Australian Army were required to salute our chaplain. My brother served in th Australian Navy and he didn’t have to salute his. I know which I think to be right. 😀
Thank you for dropping in and leaving a comment, always nice to hear ffom someone new 😀 and of course the 🐻
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I always wondered why the British Army referred – unofficially – to the chaplains as ‘padres’. My father’s theory was that it was in recognition of the service of the Roman Catholic chaplains in the First World War…always with their men, always at the front…and a jovial crowd to boot.
I just wonder…as things change…if we shall be seeing pagan chaplains soon…
I too wish for the days when the U.K. public was joined together…
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I agree with every word you’ve said here, Helen!! In a way I’m glad my own father isn’t here to see the country he fought for!! Since Vietnam, it’s been a steady slope downward and it breaks my heart.
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A great post, GP. These men are heroes. I am happy to say that the chaplains today are remarkable.
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I so agree, Jennie. Thank you.
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You’re welcome!
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Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
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Thank you, John!
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You are very welcome.
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They Certainly performed a great job!
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Helping everywhere they could!
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Indeed!
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The 9 year old girl you mention at the end inspires!! ❤
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I thought that was quite the accomplishment – even for an adult!!
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Men who probably hated war and were put into center stage. Honorable men providing for the souls of the men who fought.
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They go where they’re needed the most. Thanks for dropping by, Terry.
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Great story, GP. There is no doubt where the brave chaplains get their inspiration.
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Indeed, John.
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Such commitment to those they were dedicated to serving. Quite inspiring.
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Thank you for reading it, Amy.
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It is so wonderful remembering those that have passed..thank you
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Yes, agreed. But it also makes me long for those days when the U.S. public was joined together.
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My very sentiments. Prayers for the people to once again be grateful, respectful & civil.
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I know the divisiveness today is tormenting
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Informative and heart breaking. These men were so filled with sharing the word of hope and the blessing of God. They gave their all. Thank you of this post.
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No one could say it better, Pam. Thank you for reading here today.
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Reblogged this on Janet's thread.
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Thank you for helping others become aware of what these men accomplished!
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One of the chaplains figured prominently in Hornfischer’s Last Stand of the Tincan Sailors (WWII Naval battle) for bravery. These guys were amazing.
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Yes, I do recall that, now that you mention it. I agree and thank you for bringing that up
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Title needs another “a.”
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Where?
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One of my great-uncles was in the service for many years, and in his box of military insignia, he kept a tiny frame with a 3-cent stamp showing the Four Chaplains.
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Those four men are held dear in the hearts of many. I hope the stamp is still a treasure of your family.
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Tremendous piece on these brave souls, who, as you so appropriately note…did more for morale than anything else. Thank you!
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They carried the men through it – sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally – often times – both. Thank you for reading it.
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well, the moment i read chaplin, i wanted to know what he had to do with ww2. it never occurred to me that chaplin was a title, not the british commedian.
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I suppose I could have been more clear in the title, my apologies. Good Ol’ Charlie, between his communist leanings, marriages to underage girls and lawsuits, he fled to Switzerland and I far as I can recall, never served in any military.
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i don’t know much about that – the war stuff. but i’ve read about his marriages, four or five i think. and he was filming before the mid 20th century, so i thought , wow, he served in ww2, .
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I remember that old saying very well and have used it myself several times … there are no atheists in a Foxhole … at least when the bullets are flying!
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I also heard one where a guy said he didn’t believe in a higher being, but if he was wrong, May God have mercy on his soul.
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The Four Chaplains is one of the most inspiring stories of WW2. I hope it would not be inappropriate, to offer the following tribute to that story. https://todayinhistory.blog/2017/02/03/february-3-1943-greater-love-hath-no-man/
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It is never inappropriate to add information and this story is a fantastic contribution!! Thank you.
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What Mr. Greathearts these men were.
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Going into combat without a weapon to help where they could takes a very special person. Thank you for stopping by, Helen.
I understand all UK Chaplins are called padre to not draw attention to their military rank.
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Although I have never been religious, I have always admired the dedication and bravery of such men, following their comrades into battle zones, unarmed. Inspiring stories indeed, GP.
(Well done to the girl scout too. An amazing total!)
Best wishes, Pete.
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I honestly think they did more for morale than anything else, Pete. But then again there is that old saying, “There are no atheists in a foxhole.”
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I hear that, GP!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great stories of courage and bravery. Love the photos and the painting is grand.
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I’m very glad you found it interesting.
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Thanks GP
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Thank you for including my post.
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