Chaplains of the
36th Infantry Division
by
Chaplain (Colonel) Herbert E. MacCombie
Division Chaplain
Popularity Of Religious Services
In his book,
“Crusade in Europe”, General Eisenhower states (Page 187) “At one time it
looked so probably that the invasion forces might be divided that General
Clark made tentative plans for re-embarking his headquarters.” While we
were at Salerno, I talked with hundreds of men of the 36th Division. Of
all these men only one indicated by word or deed that he thought the
Germans might stop us. We were Texans and nobody in the world could stop
us.
In my report on
Operation Avalanche (the Salerno landing) I noted, “It has been reported
by many individuals that there has been a marked increase in the religion
among men going into, or engaged in action. Religious services have been
conducted whenever and wherever the opportunity afforded. In many cases
civilians have come to our services by the score.”
Several Catholic
chaplains told me with delight that they had received confessions from men
who had not made a confession for years. I, a Baptist, conducted eight
baptisms in the Sele River while we were preparing for the invasion of
France. The co-operation and interest shown by men of all ranks was a
great encouragement.
Many years after
the war I was present at a large meeting in Toledo, Ohio. At the close of
the meeting a young man pushed through the crowd to greet me. He called,
“My chaplain, my chaplain!” It was WOJG Donald McClenahan of Division
Headquarters.
I must admit that
there were probably many motivations for this increased interest in
religion. Many years later one of the unit commanders, Colonel Stovall,
told me of a young lieutenant in his battalion. The lieutenant was a hard
drinking, loud cussing young officer who attended all services regardless
of who was conducting.
When questioned
about his practice, he said, “Well, Colonel, I don’t know much about this
religion, but if there is anything in it, the enemy might be working on
the same channel, and I sure don’t want them to get any unfair advantage
of me.”
I am sure there
were many different motivations for attendance at church service, but I
also know that attendance was voluntary. No one had to go to church.
Sometimes church attendance involved real hardships. Usually during
combat it was difficult. There was not much glamour. There were no wives
or mothers present to urge attendance. Nevertheless, they came.
Sometimes in small groups, sometimes by the hundreds. I think the
chaplains helped.
[
PREVIOUS | CONTENTS
| NEXT ]
Copyright 2001
by Mary MacCombie Fietsam
Printed by Permission |
