Soldiers of a Different Cloth

John Wukovits is a New York Times best-selling author and military historian specializing in the Pacific theater of World War II. He is the author of many books, including Tin Can Titans, Hell from the Heavens, For Crew and Country, One Square Mile of Hell, and Pacific Alamo. He has also written numerous articles for such publications as WWII History, Naval History, and World War II. He lives in Michigan.Fr. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., is president of the University of Notre Dame.Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., was president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987.

• FOREWORDPREFACECHRONOLOGYPart 1. THE CHAPLAINS HEAD TO WAR, 1920s to DECEMBER 19431. "Our First Baptism of Blood": War Opens in the Philippines2. "The Chaplain Is the Servant of God for All": Chaplains in War Training3. "Surely War Is a Dirty Game": The Chaplains Go to WarPart 2. CHAPLAINS AT THE BATTLEFRONT, JANUARY 1943 to DECEMBER 19444. "I Never Expected to Come Out of the Philippines Alive": Chaplains in the Pacific, 19435. "Daily Was I Shelled, Nightly Was I Bombed": Father Barry from Sicily to Rome6. "Face to Face with the Realism, the Tragedy, and the Horror of the War": Father Sampson at D-Day7. "Our Chaplains Are Becoming More Scattered Every Week": Chaplains in the Pacific, 19448. "Hope Mr. Hitler Goes Underground Before Winter": Chaplains in Europe to the End of 1944Part 3. ONWARD TO VICTORY, JANUARY 1945 to PRESENT9. "I Had the Devil Scared Out of Me Many a Time": Closing in on Japan10. "Facing the Insanity of Himmler's Madmen": Onward to Victory in Europe11. "You Could Have Heard My Cheer in Niles": Onward to Victory in the Pacific12. "I Have Seen My Share of Blood, Death, Mud, Hunger and Cold": Home

"Wukovits, a prolific author and historian of the Second World War, is also a second-generation Notre Dame graduate, and in this engaging work, he tells the stories of nearly three dozen chaplains (having deep connections to South Bend themselves) who left Indiana to serve on foreign fields. . . . Thoroughly researched, clearly written, and often emotionally moving, Soldiers of a Different Cloth will be a must read for professional and 'lay' historians of war, religion, and the intersection thereof." —H-War"Wukovits's book is a harrowing account of men and women who strove to remain spiritual leaders as the world appeared dead-set in destroying itself." —American Catholic Studies"John Wukovits shines light on a previously little-known aspect of World War II: the vital role that chaplains—especially those from Notre Dame—played in providing spiritual comfort during times of great stress, and in aiding the sick, wounded, and others 'at the hour of their deaths.' For a long time medics have been regarded as 'unsung heroes' on the battlefield; to that short list can now be added chaplains. This superbly written work will do much to open peoples' eyes to these often-overlooked brave and selfless men." —Flint Whitlock, author and editor of WWII Quarterly magazine"Soldiers of a Different Cloth: Notre Dame Chaplains in World War II is excellent, and in fact a real page turner. I did not expect to enjoy so thoroughly this substantial book about a select number of priests serving during World War II. The book relies on an impressive array of primary sources to convey a compelling story of the Notre Dame priests who served during World War II." —Lyle Dorsett, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University"This is a story that is untold and yet so important and appealing to all who believe whether Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or agnostic. It should be read by anyone who wishes to know more about individual sacrifice, bravery, and suffering sustained by individuals during wartime for love of their fellow brothers." —Robert LeClercq, volunteer, National Museum of the Pacific War"This riveting account of the heroic contributions of 35 chaplains and missionaries during World War II is nearly impossible to put down. The author, John F. Wukovits, is a renowned military historian who melds rigorous research with expert storytelling. The result is an inspiring and richly detailed narrative that reveals the challenges that these religious—priests along with some brothers and sisters of Notre Dame's Congregation of Holy Cross—faced." —The Boston Pilot"As Father Joe Barry, C.S.C., said at the end of the War, 'I believe that I have seen my share of blood, death, mud, hunger and cold.' On the front lines, in ships under attack, in prisoner-of-war camps, in medical care facilities, these stalwart men and women brought a devoted ministry of sacramental participation, counsel, and care for the grieving. Their collective story has now been told by John Wukovits with full appreciation for the dedication, courage and deep commitment that it entailed." —Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame"John Wukovits's professional background in World War II history—over a thirty-year career he has authored ten books and served as on-air commentator and adviser for television documentaries—as well as his own association with the university as a 1967 graduate, lend credence to his research and writing. His knowledge of World War II history, combined with his ties to the university, make him ideal to tell this story of men who comprised one of Notre Dame's greatest teams." —Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., from the introduction"The stories of these heroic members of the Holy Cross order have never been told before. John Wukovits dug deeply into the Notre Dame archives and elsewhere to bring them to light. He does it adroitly, with a historian's care and a writer's heart. We are in his debt." —Fr. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., from the foreword