Chaplain Controversy
Chesty Puller was not known as an outwardly religious man. Nevertheless, he took an active interest in the religious welfare of his men and made sure frequent services were held, especially for his troops in the front lines. He wanted the chaplains to do their jobs and to be with their men. He became incensed when his Protestant chaplain remained in a rear area during an extensive patrol into enemy-held areas. The chaplain protested that he thought he could do more working in a medical station caring for the wounded. Puller shouted, “ You weren’t up where the fighting was. I think I’ll prefer charges against you for being absent from your regiment. Your place was with the fighting men—your battalion.”177
Due to this incident and others not known, Puller formed some strong opinions about chaplains and their denominations. He complained that, “ In all our fighting I’ve known only a few Protestant chaplains worth their rations. ” After the war, he made another pointed comment to his Episcopal bishop in Virginia: “ I can’t understand why our Church sends such poorly prepared men as chaplains when fighting breaks out. The Catholics pick the very best, young, virile, active and patriotic. The troops look up to them.”178
Chesty Puller’s opinions on clergy reflect his own experience, and I don’t know how generally true they were. I cite his comments only to point out that his priorities were in the right place, for himself, his officers, and his chaplains. We can’t effectively lead our families, employees, or congregations from a distance. We need to be “in the trenches” where the problems and frustrations can be understood and dealt with.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
—1 Peter 5:2–3
Marines man a machine gun in the jungle. (National Archives)
Worshiping in a jungle chapel. (National Archives)