Chaplains of the
36th Infantry Division
by
Chaplain (Colonel) Herbert E. MacCombie
Division Chaplain
Independence of The Division Chaplains
There are many leaders in America who object
to the appointment of military chaplains. They believe that the chaplains
are too subject to the control of unit commanders. They hold that
chaplains cannot preach freely their convictions. They do not understand
the policies of the Chaplain Corps. Chaplains hold rank only for purposes
of pay and allowances. They are always properly addressed as “Chaplain”.
This is true whether the man is a brand new 1st Lieutenant or whether he
wears the two stars of the Chief of Chaplains. He is still addressed as
“Chaplain”.
I served for thirty years as a chaplain in
the National Guard and in the Reserves. Never once was I told what to
preach or how to conduct my religious services. On some special occasions
such as memorial services or special holidays I would submit to my
commanding officer the proposed program, especially if he was to
participate. Never once was the program changed. The nearest I ever came
was a suggestion made to me by Captain Rush Wells of the 36th
Reconnaissance Troop.
It was always a pleasure to hold services at
the Recon Troop. They had a young officer, 1st Lieutenant Roger L.
Gutterman. He was a Jew. He took it upon himself to select the place
where we would hold religious services. He would clear and level a place
for the altar table and the organ. He would pick wild flowers for the
vases. Unfortunately he was killed on Anzio beachhead. I went out to
recover his body and got stuck in a shell hole. It was night and we were
within range of enemy fire. It took a long time to get out before
daylight. We just barely made it.
After one of our services at the Recon Troop
Captain Wells said to me, “Some of the men have been asking why it is that
in the Apostles’ Creed we say, ‘I believe in the holy, catholic church’
when we are Protestants”. I told him that at our next service I would
preach on that subject. The next Sunday we had a large attendance.
Captain Wells said that every man who was not on fatigue or guard detail
was present. As a result of his suggestion (question) I prepared a series
of sermons on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. This was the
only time I ever had an officer even suggest my sermon subject. I
appreciated his help.
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Copyright 2001
by Mary MacCombie Fietsam
Printed by Permission |
