Chaplains in WWI

Before the United States officially declared war on Germany and entered WWI, only one chaplain served with the Marine Corps. Roman Catholic priest Edmund A. Brodmann served at Marine Barracks Port Royal, South Carolina, from November 19, 1916 to August 3, 1917. A month after Brodmann left the Corps, 13 Navy chaplains served with the Marines in France and were present at every significant engagement during WWI.

Throughout the war, chaplains served with just as much bravery as the Marines on the front lines. Four Chaplains received the Navy Cross for their actions: John J Brady and Albert N. Park, assigned to the 5th Regiment, and James D. MacNair and Harris A. Darche, assigned to the 6th.

Chaplain Brady was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at Belleau Wood. His Navy Cross citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (Chaplain) John J. Brady, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession in serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Chaplain Brady exposed himself fearlessly, making a complete tour of the front lines twice and carrying cigarettes to men who would not have had an opportunity otherwise to get them. He carried out his duties as a Chaplain with devotion and was cool under fire.

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