During WWII, 8,896 chaplains served in the U.S. Army. On VJ Day in 1945, 8,191 chaplains were on duty (Catholic - 2,278; Jewish - 243; Protestant - 5,620). Chaplains received training through the U.S. Army Chaplain School. Those who were selected for duty with the Army Air Corps received two weeks of special training at the Air Corps School in San Antonio, Texas. Chaplains served our armed forces by preaching, conducting baptisms, weddings, funerals, praying, counseling, making pastoral visits, and assisting with morale. In combat, chaplains ministered to the wounded, cared for the dead, and assisted with graves registration. During WWII, the Chaplain Corps suffered 478 casualties. |
