“A Sacred Trust: Honouring 250 Years of the
U.S. Army Chaplain Corps”

This summer, fellow chaplains across the Atlantic commemorate a remarkable milestone: the 250th anniversary of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. Since its founding on 29 July 1775—just days after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War—the Chaplain Corps has stood as a symbol of spiritual endurance, pastoral courage, and the enduring presence of God amid conflict.

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The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps was born of necessity and conviction. General George Washington, recognising the vital role of faith in the morale and well-being of soldiers, insisted that the fledgling Continental Army include ordained clergy. Since then, chaplains have accompanied American troops into every major conflict, from the War of Independence to the global operations of today. Today, the Chaplain Corps is a vast network of clergy from a diverse range of religious traditions, providing pastoral care to more than a million active-duty soldiers and their families.

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Catholic chaplains began serving formally in the U.S. military in the early 19th century, and by the time of the Civil War, their numbers were growing steadily. The 20th century saw Catholic military chaplaincy come into its own, particularly during the World Wars, when priests were a visible and vital presence in the field. They heard confessions in foxholes, celebrated Mass on makeshift altars, and, in many cases, gave their lives alongside the men they served.

 

Bravery and courage have been the standard for all members of the Corps since its conception. Some have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States most prestigious military decoration for valor. Among them are three Catholic priests whose courage and devotion continue to inspire chaplains across the world:

 

Fr. Joseph T. O’Callahan (Second World War)

 

The first Catholic chaplain to receive the Medal of Honor, Fr. O’Callahan served aboard the USS Franklin when it was struck by a Japanese bomber in 1945. Amidst blazing fires, exploding ammunition, and chaos, he led firefighting efforts, comforted the wounded, and coordinated damage control, saving countless lives. President Truman presented him with the Medal of Honor in 1946.

 

Fr. Emil J. Kapaun (Korean War)

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A U.S. Army chaplain and diocesan priest from Kansas, Fr. Kapaun served with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. During the Battle of Unsan in 1950, he refused to leave wounded soldiers behind. Captured by Chinese forces, he ministered tirelessly to fellow prisoners of war in brutal conditions, stealing food for the sick, leading prayers, and tending to the dying. He died in captivity in 1951. In 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor. After being declared Venerable by Pope Francis in February of this year. His cause for canonization is underway

 

Fr. Charles J. Watters (Vietnam War)

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An Airborne chaplain, Fr. Watters served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. During the fierce Battle of Dak To in 1967, he moved fearlessly across the battlefield to aid the wounded and administer last rites, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire. He was killed while aiding the wounded in close combat. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity.”

 

These men embodied the highest calling of chaplaincy—not merely accompanying soldiers in battle, but becoming beacons of Christ’s love in the most harrowing circumstances. Their legacy echoes in the mission of every Catholic chaplain who wears the uniform today.

 

Although separated by an ocean, the Catholic military chaplaincies of the U.K. and U.S. have long served side by side. Whether in the fields of Normandy, the hills of Korea, or the deserts of Afghanistan, our chaplains have prayed together, shared the sacraments, and ministered to troops in joint operations. That bond continues to this day, as our nations work in coalition forces across the globe.

 

The 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is not only a moment for American reflection—it is a reminder to us all of the enduring importance of faith in the military. The need for spiritual care, moral guidance, and sacramental presence is as pressing now as it was in 1775.

 

As fellow chaplains in the British Army, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to our American brothers and sisters. Your 250 years of faithful service have left a profound legacy—not only in the hearts of soldiers, but in the life of the global Church. We stand in admiration of your commitment, and in solidarity with your mission.

In the words of St. John Paul II, who himself lived through war and totalitarianism: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.” The chaplains of the U.S. Army have done precisely that for two and a half centuries. May the next 250 years be marked by the same courage, compassion, and commitment to Christ.

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Ad multos annos.