National Civil War Chaplains Museum

As we prepare for another semester, the Chaplains Museum will be closed. The museum will reopen on August 28th and resume regular hours!

August 17-27: Closed

Beginning August 28

Monday-Friday: 12:00-4:30

Saturday: 10:00-2:00

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What is Purple Heart Day and what does it have to do with U.S. military chaplains?

In 2011, Army chaplain Michael Frese prepared for an ordinary day of work while deployed in Afghanistan but, as he prepared to hold a meeting, disaster struck. An explosion hit the tent, and he sustained a heavy blow. When Chaplain Frese regained consciousness, he rushed to the clearing station to “[comfort] and [pray] with [the wounded] in the aid station before they were medevacked.” Before the attack was over, the chapel tent was hit and many more were wounded. Frese had suffered injuries to head, as well as hearing, memory, and vision loss.

In February 2014, Chaplain Frese was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery in Afghanistan. The blow that “should have killed [him]” became a defining point in his ministry and he continued to encourage service members believing that “nothing can prepare you better for physical and mental trauma than a strong faith.”

Today, August 7th, is a day to recognize and honor those who were wounded or killed while serving the U.S. Military. The Purple Heart was officially revived in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur, based on George Washington’s Badge of Military Merit from 1782, and continues to be awarded at present. Stop by the museum to learn more about the sacrificial service of chaplains!

Image 1: Image 1: Chaplain Michael Frese receives the Purple Heart, given by Brigadier General John McGoff. Image courtesy of the LCMS Reporter.

To read more about Chaplain Frese, visit reporter.lcms.org/2014/chaplain-awarded-purple-heart/.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the “Donate” section at the link in our bio.

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As the 2nd Marine Division waded towards the shores of Guadalcanal in August 1942, they were bombarded by oppressive humidity, dense forests, and fierce Japanese resistance. Machine gun fire whirred around them and the ground shook below their feet, stirring up fear and the harsh reality of hopelessness. While the division trudged forward in alarm, bearing their weapons, a chaplain went with them, reinforcing principles of faith and courage.

Chaplain W. Wyeth Willard served as a chaplain to the 2nd Marine Division during World War II, seeing action at the battles of Guadalcanal and Tarawa. Following his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the most prestigious award in the Navy and was “credited with serving more consecutive days under constant enemy fire than any chaplain in the history of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.” Throughout Chaplain Willard’s service, he remained grateful that “the good Lord could use [him] in this service,” writing that “He placed me here to preach the gospel.”

In January of 1944, Chaplain Willard published “The Leathernecks Come Through,” as a testament to his experience at Guadalcanal and Tarawa. The publication of his book brought him national prominence, and he was given a position as the Director of Evangelism at Wheaton College shortly after. Until his death in November of 1999, he remained dedicated to the ministry, even serving as a chaplain to the U.S. Naval Reserves for twenty years.

Stay tuned to hear more about Chaplain Willard and a new artifact that will be joining the collection soon!

Image 1: Chaplain W. Wyeth Willard.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the “Donate” section at the link in our bio.

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