U.S. Army Chaplaincy History

The best Professional Chaplaincy History in the World

Seven Volume Chaplain History (to date)

Dedication & Quotes to Volume6, Parts I & II

Table of Contents of Volume 7:  1975-1995

Part One Contents:  Meeting Challenges to the Army and to the Chaplaincy

Part One:  Illustrations

Part Two:  Preface

Part Two Contents:  Religious Support in Combat, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Operations

Part Two Illustrations

Bibliography

     Books:  Volume 7, 1975-1995

     Articles:  Volume 7, 1975-1995

Before his retirement, Chaplain Hyatt directed that a history of the Army Chaplaincy be produced for the 200th Anniversary in 1975.  Chaplain Kelly observed that Chaplain Hyatt had a great sense of history and wanted the work of the chaplaincy to be preserved.  He also wanted to ensure that his accomplishments were chronicled for future chaplains.” The work began in 1973 and was completed in 1979.  A total of five volumes was produced.  The Government Printing Office printed 1,500 copies which were distributed to MACOMs, installations, military and civilian libraries , seminaries and universities.

Titles and Authors of the five volumes were:

Vol. 1:  From Its European Antecedents to 1791:  The United States Army Chaplaincy, by Chaplain Parker C. Thompson.  Office of the Chief of Chaplains:  Washington, D.C., 1978.

Vol. 2:  Struggling for Recognition:  The United States Army Chaplaincy 1791-1865, by Chaplain Herman A. Norton (USAR).  Office of the Chief of Chaplains:  Washington, D.C., 1977.

Vol. 3:  Up From Handymen:  The United States Army Chaplaincy 1865 -1920, by Chaplain Earl F. Stover.  Office of the Chief of Chaplains:  Washington, D.C., 1977.

Vol. 4:  The Best and The Worst of Times:  The United States Army Chaplaincy 1920 - 1945, by Chaplain Robert L. Gushwa.  Office of the Chief of Chaplains:  Washington, D.C., 1977.

Vol. 5:  Confidence in Battle, Inspiration in Peace:  The United States Army Chaplaincy 1945 - 1975, by Chaplain Rodger R. Venzke.  Office of the Chief of Chaplains:  Washington, D.C., 1977.

Since then two more have appeared:

Vol. 6:  He Was Always There, The U.S. Army Chaplain Ministry in the Vietnam Conflict, by Chaplain Henry F. Ackermann.  Office of the Chief of Chaplains:  Washington, D.C., 1989.

Vol. 7:  Encouraging Faith, Supporting Soldiers:  A History of the U.S. Chaplain Corps 1975-1995, by Chaplain John W. Brinsfield.  Office of the Chief of Chaplains:  Washington, D.C., 1997.

Dedications & Quotes:  Part One & Part Two
Volume 7:  Encouraging Faith, Supporting Soldiers:  A History of the U.S. Chaplain Corps 1975-1995

Part One dedication reads: 

        Dedicated to all chaplains, chaplain assistants, and civilian staff members who served God and Country during the Golden Age of the Army Chaplaincy:  they performed missions of grace and encouragement for soldiers throughout the world with great success.

        And those who lead the many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever ...  Daniel 12:3

On the back cover of Part One: 

       “The Chaplain, like the artillery, is never held in reserve.”
General Edward C. Meyer Chief of Staff, U.S. Army 1979-1983

Quote at the beginning of Part Two:

“History is, above all else, the creation and recording of our heritage;  progress is its increasing abundance, preservation, transmission and use.  To those who study history not merely as a warning reminder of human follies and crimes, but also as an encouraging remembrance of generative souls, the past ceases to be a depressing chamber of horrors;  it becomes a spacious country of the mind, wherein a thousand saints, warriors, statesmen, scientists, poets, artists, musicians, and philosophers still live and speak, teach and carve and sing.  The historian will not mourn because he can see no meaning in human existence except that which man puts into it;  let it be our pride that we ourselves may put meaning into our lives.  If we are fortunate we will, before we die, gather up as much as we can of our heritage and transmit it to our children and to others who follow us.  And to our final breath we should be grateful for this inexhaustible legacy which sometimes may have a significance that transcends our time upon this stage.”

Paraphrase from The Lessons of History  
by Will and Ariel Durant (1968)

Contents Part One:  Meeting Challenges to the Army and to the Chaplaincy
Volume 7:  Encouraging Faith, Supporting Soldiers:  A History of the U.S. Chaplain Corps 1975-1995

Chapter I:  The Reformation and Modernization of the Army after Vietnam, 1970-1984

Chapter II:  The Hyatt Years:  Expanding the Chaplaincy's Vision, Competence and Influence, 1971-1975

Chapter III:  The Kelly Years:  Religious Leadership and Support during Modernization, 1975-1979

Chapter IV:  The Johnson Years:  Reaffirming the Identity of the Chaplaincy, 1979-1982

Chapter V:  The Hessian Years:  Bringing the Chaplaincy on Line, 1982-1986

Chapter VI:  The Einertson Years:  Addressing Needs and Managing Resources, 1986-1990

Chapter VII:  The Zimmerman Years:  Supporting and Sustaining Soldiers on Rapid Deployment Missions, 1990-1994

Chapter VIII:  The Shea Years:  Dedicated Service in a New World, 1994-1995

Appendix A:  History of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School by Dr. William Hourihan and Mr.  Michael W.  Hobson

Appendix B:  Historical Milestones in the Army Chaplaincy by Chaplain Marvin Mills, USAR

Appendix C:  Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants at Work

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

Chaplain R.R. Stevens and 82nd Airborne Soldier

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Donald W.  Shea

Chaplains of the IV Corps--Vietnam

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Gerhardt Hyatt

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Orris E. Kelly

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Kermit D. Johnson

President Jimmy Carter, Chaplain Kermit

Johnson, and Chaplain Robert Bendick

Chaplain Professors at West Point (1971-1984) 135 Chaplain (Maj.  Gen.) Patrick Hessian

Sergeant Major Charles J. Durr, III

President Reagan:  Unknown Soldier Dedication

Sergeant Major Joseph A. Pino

Sergeant Major James Schonefeld

Chaplain (Maj.  Gen.) Norris Einertson

Establishment of Chaplain Corps Regiment

Sergeant Major Douglas Carpenter

Total Army Liaison Teams

Chaplain (maj.  Gen.) Matthew A.  Zimmerman

Chaplains John C.  Scott and Timothy C.  Tatum

Sergeant Major Oliver “Irish” Corbett

Sergeant Major Thomas J.  Prost

President Bill Clinton and Chiefs of Chaplains 334 Chaplain (Maj.  Gen.) Zimmerman and Staff

Presentation of UMT of the Year Award

Chaplains Kaising, Lieving, and Zimmerman

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Donald W.  Shea

Chaplain Albertson and Specialist Moore:Haiti 366 Chaplains Kuhlbars, Madden, and Lloyd:  Haiti

Honors, Awards, and Retirements 1995

Chaplains Shea, Kuehne, and Gunhus

Sergeant Major Elmer Castro and Chaplain Shea at Arlington National Cemetery

Chaplain School Buildings at Forts Hamilton and Wadsworth

Chaplain Center and School Commandants

Chaplain Officer Advanced Course, 1980

Chaplain School at Ft.  Monmouth and Commandants

Chaplains Sirotko, Cook, and NCO Academy

Division Chaplain Course, 1989

Chaplains James Robnolt and Bernard Lieving

Ms.  Nella Hobson and Chaplain John Patrick

Command Sergeant Major Aaron Gibson

Command Sergeant Major Oscar L.  Crumity

Ground Breaking at Ft.  Jackson for a new School Advanced Course List of Duties of Chaplains, Compiled by Chaplain Peter Christy

Chaplains Telencio, Quinn, Gunhus, and Pejakovich

Chaplains and Assistants at Work

Photo credits:  Ms.  Nella Hobson and PAO Staff at Ft.  Jackson;  Sergeant Major Elmer Castro, Master Sergeant Michael Swingler, Chaplain Barbara Sherer,Chaplain Rick Kuhlbars, Ms.  Jody Dunning, and Ms.  Charlotte Able and staff at the Office of the Chief of Chaplains;  U.S.  Army War College Library and Photo Lab;  Military History Institute Photographic Collection, Carlisle Barracks;  and donations from the U.S.  Army Chaplain Corps members around the world...

During the period from 1975 through 1995 , the United States Army deployed more than a half million soldiers around the world on combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian and peace enforcement missions.  As of June 30, 1995 there were 108,000 U.S.  soldiers deployed in 39 foreign countries to include 25 soldiers in Anarctica.

In this part of the history of the Army Chaplaincy from 1975 to 1995, the contributions of unit ministry teams during five operations and two joint task force missions are outlined as a representative sample of the religious support the Chaplain Corps provided to soldiers and to their family members during this period.  These operations are cross referenced in Part One with the tenure of each of the following Chiefs of Chaplains:

Chaplain (MG) Patrick Hessian -- 
OPERATION URGENT FURY

Chaplain (MG) Norris Einertson -- 
OPERATION JUST CAUSE

Chaplain (MG) Matthew Zimmerman -- 
OPERATION DESERT SHIELD, 
OPERATION DESERT STORM, 
JTF Guantanomo, 
JTF Andrew & 
OPERATION RESTORE HOPE  
            [MG=Major General, JTF=Joint Task Force]

Other operational deployments, such as those to Haiti and Panama during Chaplain (MG) Donald Shea's first year as Chief of Chaplains are discussed in Part One.

In presenting this representative sample, the author had to depend on oral interviews for much of the information.  Even so , there were many great stories which went untold for lack of time and space.  To all those who served in the effort to bring soldiers to God and God to soldiers in difficult and dangerous places, the thanks not only of the Chaplaincy, but also of the nation, is due.

Chapter I:  Operation URGENT FURY, Grenada

Chapter II:  Operation JUST CAUSE, Panama

Chapter III:  Operation DESERT SHIELD, Southwest Asia

Chapter IV:  Operation DESERT STORM

Chapter V:  Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Cuba

Chapter VI:  Joint Task Force Andrew, Florida

Chapter VII:  Operation RESTORE HOPE, Somalia

Epilogue

Bibliography

Chaplain Frank Whalen Celebrating Mass

Chaplain Larry Mack with Rangers

U.S.  Military Operations in Grenada

Chaplains Larry Mack and Don Brown 1983-84

Operation JUST CAUSE:  Troops Arrive

Operation JUST CAUSE:  Geography

Chaplain Jack Prendergast leading worship

Operation JUST CAUSE:  Major Points of Attack 20

Operation DESERT SHIELD:  Chaplain Sumbler

Map of Saudi Arabia

CENTCOM, ARCENT Chaplains and Prince Charles 24th Infantry Division Deployment

Chaplain Gary “Sam” Sanford, 1st Cav Division 67 Chaplain Vincent Inghilterra:  Mass in Dhahran

Chaplain Ford G'Segner with Air Force Chief

Chaplains Zimmerman, Kegley and Joseph Smith

Chaplains Zimmerman and Kitchens, 101st Abn

Map:  DESERT STORM Operations

Chaplain Don Rutherford, First into Iraq

Chaplain William Sterling, Delaware Guard

SCUD Impact Zones:  UMT Presence

DESERT STORM Major Command UMTs

Chaplains Parker and Inghilterra:  Oil on Fire 152 Chaplain David Zalis and Gen.  Schwarzkopf

Jewish Chaplains and the Cunard Princess

Easter:  Chaplains Schmeling, Watson and Choir

Chaplain Dennis Whitaker:  Service in Iraq

Chaplain Wayne Smith:  Memorial Service

U.S.  Naval Base, Guantanamo, Cuba

Chaplain Phil Spence leads worship

Chaplain Marceaux and Sargeant Cuellar

Chaplain William Graham, USAR, in Cuba

Chaplain James McDonald leads UMTs in worship

Chaplain Mary A.  Pitts during Andrew Recovery

Florida Map (US Army War College Library)

Chaplain Sonny Moore

Chaplain Ed Hartmann

Chaplains Rutherford and Hutcherson

Chaplain Ed Hartmann at Communion

Somalia Map (US Army War College Library)

Chaplain Barb Sherer in Somalia

Somali Boy and a “Technical”

Chaplain Jolin and Specialist Grayson

Passover and Catholic Mass

Chaplain Kristi Pappas and Sergeant Carter

University Compound UMTs

Chaplain (Brig.  Gen.) Gaylord T.  Gunhus

Photo credits:  Donations from members of the Chaplain Corps;  U.S.  Army War College Library;U.S.  Army Chaplain Center and School Office of the Chief of Chaplains;  U.S.  Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania

Map credits:  U.S.  Army War College Library;  U.S.  Army Topographic Engineering Center, Alexandria, Virginia

Books

Ackerman, Henry F., He Was Always there:  The U.S.  Army Chaplain Ministry In the Vietnam Conflict.  Washington, D.C.:  Office of the Chief of Chaplains, 1989.

Atkinson, Rick.  The Long Gray Line.  New York:  Pocket books, 1989.

Bok, Lee Suk.  The Impact of U.S. Forces in Korea.  Washington, D.C.:  National Defense Press, 1987.

Brinsfield, John W.  Developing a Ministry of Teaching the History of Ethics an World Religions at the United States Military Academy, West Point:  New York.  Madison, New Jersey:  Drew University D. Min Project, 1983.

Caliber Associates.  Family Strengths and Adaptation to Army Life.  Chapel Hill, N.C.:  University of N. C., Jan. 1988.

Commager, Henry Steele.  Pocket History of the United States.  New York:  Pocket Books, 1992.  Cortright, David.  Soldiers in Revolt.  New York:  Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1975.

Drazin, Israel and Currey, Cecil B.  For God and Country.  Hoboken, New Jersey:  KTAV Publishing House, 1955.

Hudson, Winthrop.  American Protestantism.  Chicago:  University of Chicago, 1968.  Johnson, Kermit D.  Realism and Hope in a Nuclear Age.  Atlanta:  John Knox Press, 1988.  Leonard, Thomas.  Day by Day:  The Seventies 1970-75.  New York, N.Y.:  Facts on File Publications, 1985.

Lewy, Guenter.  America in Vietnam.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 1978.

Norton, Herman A.  Struggling for Recognition;  the United States Army-Chaplaincy, 1791-1865.  Washington, D.C.:  Department of the Army, 1977.

Romjue, John L., Prepare the Army for War.  Fort Monroe, Virginia:  Office of the Command Historian, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, 1993.

Rostow, Eugene V.  A Breakfast for Bonaparte.  U.  S.  National Security Interest:  Washington, D.  C.:  National Defense University, 1993.

Scales, Robert H., Certian Victory.  Washington, D.C.:  Office of the Chief of Staff, 1993.

Simon, Jeffrey.  NATO The Challenge of Change.  Washington, D.C.:  National Defense University Press, 1993.

Stavrianos, L.S., The World Since 1500.  Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey:  Prentice Hall, 1982.  Stokes, Anson P.  Church and State in the United States.  New Your:  Harper & Bros., 1950.  Sullivan, Gordon R.  America's Army.  Cambridge, Massachusetts:  Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis, 1993.

Thompson, Parker C.  From Its European Antecedents to 1791, The United States Army Chaplaincy.  Washington, D.C.:  Department of the Army, 1978.

Venzke, Rodger R., Confidence in Battle, Inspiration in Peace, The United States Army Chaplaincy 1945-1975.  Washington, D.C.:  Office of the Chief of Chaplains, 1977.

Bedsole, Timothy K.  “Forward Thrust,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1991, p. 45.

Boyles, Lemuel M.  “Grenada:  Ministry in Time of Crisis,” Military Chaplains’ Review, Winter 1985, pp. 11-12.

Brinsfield, John W.  “Our Roots for Ministry,” Military Chaplains' Review, Fall 1987, p. 25.

Brooten, Kenneth, Jr.  “The U.S. Special Operations Command,” Journal of Defense & Diplomacy, 1987, pp. 21-23.

Buckley, William, Jr.  “Assertive Multi-Lateralism,” The Washington Times, August 5, 1994, p.  A-18.  Bush, Albert W., Jr.  “First In:  Unit Ministry Teams, Hurricane Andrew, Miami, Florida,” The Army Chaplain, Spring 1993, p. 3.

Chambers, David.  “The Protestant Problem,” Military Chaplains' Review, Fall 1987, p. 81.  Church, George J.  “Mission Half Accomplished,” Time Magazine, May 17, 1993, p. 42.  Cochran, Darrell.  “Restoring Hope in Somalia,” Soldiers, February 1993, p. 10.

Darr, Gregory J.  “For God and Country,” Military Chaplains' Review, Winter 1992, p.  102 DeDonato, David.  “Ministry to Critical Care Givers,” MilitaryChaplains' Review;  Fall 1988, p.39ff.  Dickey, Norma H.  (ed.) “Somalia,” Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, 1992, pp.  105-109.  Duffy, Michael.  “Anatomy of a Disaster,” Time, October 18, 1993, p. 45

Elson, John.  “Somalia:  War Lord Country,” Time Magazine, January 11, 1993, p. 24.

Evans, Thomas G.  “The Privilege of Serving,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, pp.  15-17.  Filteau, Jerry.  “Uncle Sam Wants You, Father,” The Catholic Review, August 6, 1987, p. A-4.

Garcia, Elroy.  “Where Anarchy Rules,” Soldiers Magazine, March 1993, p. 16.

Gertz, Bill.  “General Says U.S.  Has Learned from Grenada Mistakes,” The Washington Times, August 31, 1994, p. A-8.

Gilbert, Floyd R.  “Can These Bones Live Again?,” The Army Chaplaincy, Spring 1993, p. 8.

Gunti, Charles E.  “The Priest Isn't There:  Recruiting Catholic Chaplains,” Military Chaplains' Review, Spring 1989, p. 27.

Halloran, Richard.  “Military Is Short of Catholic Chaplains,” New York Times, March 4, 1989, p.A l.  Harding, Jessica R.  “Army Chaplain Meets with Pope,” Chief of Chaplains Newsletter, August 19, 1987, Attachment 4.

“Black History Month Story,” submitted to the Penta ram, January 1987, p. 1.

“Chaplain Helps Soldiers,” Ft. Rucker Flier, April 30, 1987, p. 2.

Hasenauer, Heike.  “Medals of Honor,” Soldiers, July 1994, p. 5.

Hufham, William L.  “Ministry in Contingency Operations,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, pp. 23-24.

Hunt, Henry Lamar.  “Pillars of the Regiment,” Military Chaplains' Review, Fall 1988, p.  1.  Jaynes, Gregory.  “Into the Storm,” Life Magazine, March 1991, p. 45.

Johnson, Ronald N.  “A Brigade Chaplain's Ministry:  The Plan and Execution,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1986, p. 62.

Krause, Lawrence C.  “Tokumen to Panama City:  Ministry in the 4/325 Airborne Infantry Regiment,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p. 38.

Lederer, Edith M.  “The Face of Famine in Africa,” The Washingtton Times, August 19, 1994, p.  A-6.  Luthi, Mary.  “The American Politician:  The Second Oldest Profession,” Drew University Magazine, Winter 1994-95, p. 27.

Martin, Richard.  “Ten Leadership Commandments,” Military Chaplains' Review, Winter 1987, p.  7.  McAllister, J.  F.  O.  “Pity the Peace Makers,” Time Magazine, June 28, 1993, p. 46.

McCoy, James Benjamin.  “Division Rear Area Ministry,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p. 46.

Meade, Sidney.  “The Post-Protestant Concept,” Issues in American Protestantism, 1969, p. 369.  Michaels, Marguerite.  “Peace Making War,” Time Magazine, July 26, 1993, p. 48.

Nolen, John M.  “JCS Reform and the Lessons of German History,” Parameters, Autumn 1984, pp. 12-20.

Physioc, Wray.  “Good News in a War Zone,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p. 32.

Puchy, James J.  “An Army Ranger Chaplains' Story,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p.  48.  Richburg, Keith B.  “U.S.  Completes Pull Out from Somalia,” The Washington Post, March 26, 1994, p. A-18.

Sinai, Ruth.  “Somalia:  What Went Wrong,” Associated Press News Release, November 4, 1993, p.  4.  Smith, Thomas R.  “The U.S.  Army Chaplaincy Services Support Agency,” Military Chaplains' Review, Winter 1992, p. 23.

Stevens, Rees Ryder.  “First Brigade Task Force Ministry,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p. 27.

Thomsen, Darrell E., Jr.  “Ministry in Panama,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p.  42.  Waldman, Steven.  “Deadbeat Dads,” Newsweek, May 4, 1992, pp. 46-52

Warren, Dwight.  “Higher Call to Duty:  The Ministry of Chaplain Barbara Sherer,” News Tribune, May 23, 1993, pp. 1-A and 13-A.

Wells, John A.  “The Gift of Unit Ministry Teams,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p. 3. 

Yates, Kenneth W.  “Battalion Ministry in Panama,” Military Chaplains' Review, Summer 1990, p. 34.