Chaplains of the
36th Infantry Division
by
Chaplain (Colonel) Herbert E. MacCombie
Division Chaplain
Transferring To The 12th Armored Division
And Home
On June 29, we held a festive
occasion, called the Danube Didoes in honor of General Dahlquist. It was
a commemoration of Five Campaigns together – Naples–Forgia; Rome-Arno;
Southern France; Rhineland; and Central Europe. The program was arranged
for the officers of Headquarters Forward, 36th “Texas” Infantry Division.
On July 4th I was transferred
to the 12th Armored Division. While there I had one final opportunity to
help a friend from the 36th Division.
Colonel Stovall had been made
commanding officer of the 343rd Engineers. He had a chaplain whom he did
not want. He had gone to the Seventh Army Chaplain to get a chaplain more
to his liking. He was turned down.
I happened to be at Seventh
Army Headquarters on business. Colonel Stovall told me of his problem. I
went to Chaplain Donnelly. I told him that Colonel Stovall had been one
of the most co-operative unit commanders in the 36th Division. He knew
and appreciated good chaplains. Besides that Chaplain Donnelly owed me a
favor in consideration of my co-operation in the matter of my transfer.
I recommended that Chaplain
Hopkinson of the 12th Armored Division be transferred. It would be good
for the Chaplain and it would be good for the 343rd. Colonel Stovall got
a good chaplain for his unit.
I only stayed eleven days with
the 12th Armored Division. On July 15th I picked up my orders and was on
my way home. I was a high point man – 131 points.
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Copyright 2001
by Mary MacCombie Fietsam
Printed by Permission |
