BLESSINGS IN THE “BULGE”
by Patrick J. Kearney, 11th AD, 55th AIB
It was December 30, 1944, and the 55th Armored Infantry Battalion was ready to move out. We had just entered Belgium at Florenville the previous day, and had passed through Jamoigne and Neufchateau before arriving at Ebly for overnight encampment.
As we prepared to depart for Vaux lez Rosieres and the front lines, we observed a lone jeep driving the entire length of our column, which stopped at each half-track. When the jeep arrived at ours, we saw that its passenger was our battalion and CCR chaplain, Lieutenant Regis J. Galvin, who was a member of the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans).
Father Galvin was wearing his chaplain’s stole and helmet, and he greeted us all with a smile and some kind words. He then spoke of the work we were about to undertake, and asked everyone to remove their helmets and to bow their heads. Our chaplain then gave General Absolution to the Catholic soldiers, and a blessing to the Protestant and Jewish soldiers, in our half-track. None of his spiritual sons were forgotten before their “baptism of fire” in the Battle of the Bulge!
But our chaplain’s deep concern for our spiritual welfare did not just end on the eve of battle. At lulls in the fighting during the “Bulge”, Father Galvin drove up to our position on the front lines, donned his alb, stole and chasuble, and celebrated Mass for us on the hood of his jeep. His presence on the battlefield was a great comfort to us – as were his prayers for the souls of our buddies who had been killed in action.
August 20 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Father Galvin. His genuine concern for others was the hallmark of his ministry as an Army chaplain. And his deep regard for others is only surpassed by the high esteem in which he is still held today by those “Thunderbolts” whom he served. Pro Deo et Patria!