National Civil War Chaplains Museum

What does a “muddy boots chaplain” have to do with National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day?

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Father Francis P. Duffy left his city parish in New York for the cold and damp trenches in France. Serving as the chaplain to the 69th Infantry Regiment, a part of the Irish Brigade, his peaceful presence became a retreat for soldiers on the front lines. Several even reported that the lines to speak with him were longer than those at the mess halls, as his words brought truth and comfort to war-weary men.

As the war in Europe raged on, Father Duffy went to great lengths to alleviate soldiers of their troubles, often stepping into harm’s way to be of service. He ministered to the wounded in “No Man’s Land,” administering last rites and providing reassurance and consolation. Due to his service to the suffering, Father Duffy received the Distinguished Service Cross, as well as other service medals.

Father Duffy was in the trenches and on the fields when the world was at war and saw what it could do to soldiers. Today, we remember those who do suffer or have suffered from PTSD. Father Duffy’s story reminds us of the comfort that chaplains can bring to those in the face of battle, as well as those scarred by it.

Photo 1: Father Duffy leads a funeral in France during the war. The comforting service and presence of chaplains at funerals often brought reassurance to those in attendance.

Photo 2: Father Francis P. Duffy of the 69th Infantry Regiment. While serving in World War I, Duffy was a part of the National Guard, wearing their uniform.

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Honoring Gold Star families has long been an American tradition. Beginning in World War I, families in the United States would fly flags with blue stars, each one representing a member of their family serving in the military. If a loved one died in service, their blue star would be replaced with a gold one. This began the military tradition of recognizing and honoring the sacrifice of these soldiers and their families with the symbol of the Gold Star.

On June 24, 1946, a Gold Star Memorial service was held right here in Lynchburg, Virginia. The service honored the 180 Lynchburg natives who lost their lives serving during World War II. The event was attended by 8,000 citizens who heard an address from the Chief of Chaplains, Major General Luther D. Miller. Military dignitaries and local church leaders paid their respects.

The memorial was an expression of the community’s love and care for those that paid the ultimate price for their country. As the name of each fallen soldier was called, a large star was lit in their honor. In this speech honoring the fallen, the Chief of Chaplains expressed his belief that “all nations and men must be free.”

The names of these fallen soldiers can be found on Monument Terrace, a local landmark, shown on the program cover. Program courtesy of the Jones Memorial Library.

Photo 1: Gold Star Memorial Service program cover. Monument Terrace can be seen in the photo.

Photo 2: This page of the program features the “Roll of Honor,” a page including the names of fallen soldiers from the Lynchburg area.

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A chaplain’s words can build bridges between the battlefield and the home front.

On May 28, 1951, Chaplain John Burkhalter wrote to Reverend Hern and his wife to offer comfort. The subject? Their son Van’s service with the 51st Signal Battalion during the Korean War. In his letter, Chaplain Burkhalter reassured the Herns that their son was in “the best company” and that his battalion was doing “the best work here in Korea.”

This simple letter displays the vital role of chaplains both in military ministry and providing emotional support for soldiers` families. Readers are reminded of the chaplain’s comforting role in Rev. Hern’s appreciative reply: “Thanks for your kind words. They were so assuring for parents back here who have the same anxieties for their sons as those of World War II, even though we are told this [Korean War] ‘is not an official war.’ That has a pretty hollow sound to some of us.” Rev. Hern’s honest words highlight the often-overlooked emotional strain carried by many Americans during this era.

The letters in our collection reveal that chaplains have been building bridges between servicemembers and their families as far back as the Civil War. Come take a tour to see other letters written by chaplains and stay tuned for more posts regarding the inspiring ministry of Chaplain Burkhalter.

Photo 1: Ch. Burkhalter’s letter to Rev. and Mrs. Hern. In it, he assures the parents that their son Van is doing well with the 51st Signal Battalion, which served in the Korean War.

Photo 2: Rev. Hearn’s grateful reply. This letter highlights the power of the chaplaincy both abroad and on the home front. It also highlights the powerful emotions surrounding Cold War tensions in America.

Photo 3: Southern Baptist Chaplain John G. Burkhalter leading a worship service. Chaplain Burkhalter served in World War II (playing an inspiring role in the Allied D-Day invasion) and in Korea. Notice the field organ in the background, and come into the museum to see one for yourself!

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