Background

Military Chaplains

Chaplains are clerics that represent a religion in a secular institution, such as schools and hospitals. Specifically, military chaplains aid soliders in the military by providing spiritial support and morale. Regardless of the religion they practice, chaplains often work with military personnel of various faiths.

Role in World War II

During WWII, chaplains were sent to serve alongside soldiers in the war by providing moral support and guidance. Most chaplains were non-combatants; however, some British chaplains were armed. Duties of chaplains were similar to clergymen in civilian life -- they conducted religious services, witnessed events such as weddings and funerals, and guided lectures about diseases and death.

Chaplain in Training Camps

Before chaplains were sent into combat, many chaplains trained alongside soldiers in the training camps and spoke about national and spiritual unity. Additionaly, chaplains conducted church services, provided moral support and guidance, and developed a relationship with many soldiers.

Chaplains Overseas

Many chaplains traveled overseas with soldiers and experienced overwork, terror, and exposure to danger [1]. There, they provided spiritual counseling for men in combat. Many chaplains eased their men into understanding death and salvation. Without this support and guidance, it is likely that the mentality of soldiers would have suffered even greater.

"A comforting word, a prayer uttered in their ears, a blessing bestowed upon them, and they beam, fairly beam with the light of the grace of God."
- Father Francis A. Kelly, American Catholics in the War [2]

Religions Represented

It was during WWII that the United States truly began to expect tolerance of Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism.

Works Cited

[1] “The Chaplain Corps.” WW2 US Medical Research Centre, www.med-dept.com/articles/the-chaplain-corps/.

[2] Way, John. The Soldier Priest. Dominica. Volume XXVIII. No. 2. 1943