Post by floydragsdale on Mar 31, 2013 18:35:28 GMT -5
Sixty -eight years ago, on Easter Sunday, the 424th Regiment was in San Quinton, France.
Well attended Easter Church services were held in a warehouse kind of building. The weather was mild with a hazy sun peaking through the atmosphere most of the day.
Army Chaplains had portable Alter equipment which could be used when conditions permitted them to do so. Of course, on the front lines Chaplains were busy ministering to the dying and those who were wounded.
I recall a church service near the front lines that was held in a chicken house, minus the chickens of course. The service was very much on the somber side. The 2nd Battalion men were battle weary, fatigued and in much need of some spiritual food. Many men had witnessed some of their fellow soldiers fall, mortally wounded. And there were those who had been covered with the flesh and blood of a nearby soldier whose body had been mutilated by an exploding artillery missal.
When the Chaplain finished his sermon he asked to see the hands of those who had something to say that was on their conscience. Just about everyone in that chicken house spoke of things they had to do, yet didn’t want to do but what other choice was there? - - - - All through basic training we learned,
“ It’s either you, or them.” Needless to say, that was a somber service to attend, nevertheless it was a good feeling for all who were present.
After church services on Easter Sunday in San Quentin it was chow time. Since the weather was so mild our dinner was served as if it was picnic time; outdoors. As usual, the neighborhood children lingered in the area to observe and hope for a handout of some sort. One of our men (G Co.) gave a little French boy his desert. The lad raced home with it as if he had a prize in his hands.
Later the boy returned with his Father who wanted to thank the Soldier who was so generous to his son.
The innocence of the children always brought a measure of joy to the lives of the American Soldier who was serving his Country overseas.
Floyd
Well attended Easter Church services were held in a warehouse kind of building. The weather was mild with a hazy sun peaking through the atmosphere most of the day.
Army Chaplains had portable Alter equipment which could be used when conditions permitted them to do so. Of course, on the front lines Chaplains were busy ministering to the dying and those who were wounded.
I recall a church service near the front lines that was held in a chicken house, minus the chickens of course. The service was very much on the somber side. The 2nd Battalion men were battle weary, fatigued and in much need of some spiritual food. Many men had witnessed some of their fellow soldiers fall, mortally wounded. And there were those who had been covered with the flesh and blood of a nearby soldier whose body had been mutilated by an exploding artillery missal.
When the Chaplain finished his sermon he asked to see the hands of those who had something to say that was on their conscience. Just about everyone in that chicken house spoke of things they had to do, yet didn’t want to do but what other choice was there? - - - - All through basic training we learned,
“ It’s either you, or them.” Needless to say, that was a somber service to attend, nevertheless it was a good feeling for all who were present.
After church services on Easter Sunday in San Quentin it was chow time. Since the weather was so mild our dinner was served as if it was picnic time; outdoors. As usual, the neighborhood children lingered in the area to observe and hope for a handout of some sort. One of our men (G Co.) gave a little French boy his desert. The lad raced home with it as if he had a prize in his hands.
Later the boy returned with his Father who wanted to thank the Soldier who was so generous to his son.
The innocence of the children always brought a measure of joy to the lives of the American Soldier who was serving his Country overseas.
Floyd
