simple kindness and a familiar routine can be invaluable in the midst of chaos. We can try to bring the same calming comfort to others overcome by wounds or fear in the midst of a personal crisis. A casserole comes to mind. Drumsticks or wings? Or maybe a swig of Scotch.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
September 15
Jimmy Adcock was a medic serving with the 40th Infantry Division on Guadalcanal, New Britain, and the Philippines. He was awarded the Silver and Bronze Stars for heroism during these campaigns. During his time in the service he spent long hours shooting craps with his payday money on the floor of various sordid places, an activity that he jokingly referred to as “knee work.” Then one day a Lutheran chaplain who had gotten to know him said, “Jim, you could be on your knees praying for your needs. God will provide you information you’ll delight in the rest of your life.”378 Adcock was moved by the chaplain’s interest and began attending catechism classes. He eventually decided to make the “big move in (his) life,” accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. In 1943 he was baptized and became a Christian.
Before landing in the Philippines, he wrote to his wife, Ramona, that, “We are one together by Him, even though physically we are apart. There will come the day when we will look back on these years that war has separated us, but we will do so lovingly and with thanks to Him that we are again together.”379
Jim Adcock was sustained by his new faith during the rest of the war, having confidence that he would eventually return to his wife so they could raise a family together. He did return home safely, and the couple eventually had three daughters. Jim would later comment: “I am proud to say all my children and grandchildren are baptized believers who are serving God with their time and talents.”380
It is amazing to contemplate the good done by one chaplain befriending an aimless soldier in wartime. He introduced him to Jesus Christ and a new kind of “knee work” that changed his life, gave him confidence in the future, and impacted future generations of his family.
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
September 16
Col. Gregory Boyington was one of the great heroes of Marine Corps aviation. He shot down twenty-eight Japanese aircraft, earned the Medal of Honor, and was a prisoner of war for twenty months. As the commander and oldest member of Marine Fighter Squadron 214, he earned the nickname “Pappy,” and his unit of replacement pilots became known as the “Black Sheep Squadron.” One of his many exploits is recounted in his Medal of Honor citation:
Major Boyington led a formation of twenty-four fighters over Kahill on 17 October and, persistently circling the airdrome where sixty hostile aircraft were grounded, boldly challenged the Japanese to send up planes. Under his brilliant command, our fighters shot down twenty enemy craft in the ensuing action without the loss of a single ship.381
Boyington was shot down over Rabaul in January 1944. Bailing out at low altitude, he was injured and captured by the Japanese. When he was finally repatriated after his prison ordeal, he was in extremely poor health and was medically discharged from the Marine Corps. His life after the war took a further tragic turn as he battled a new enemy: alcoholism. During a disastrous period he went through three wives and a series of uninspiring jobs. Due to the heavy smoking that went with his drinking, he almost died of emphysema. He once proclaimed that his drinking addiction was, “no doubt the most damning thing in my character.”382
Boyington was rehabilitated somewhat in the 1970s by Alcoholics Anonymous and the television series, Baa Baa Black Sheep, based on his best-selling book. In the final line of the book, he wrote: “If this story were to have a moral, then I would say: ‘Just name a hero and I’ll prove he’s a bum.’”383 Pappy Boyington had been humbled by his life experiences, but will nevertheless be remembered always as one of the great combat leaders of World War II.
I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.
September 17
In the assault on Guam the Marines lost one of their best chaplains. The youthful, redheaded Tony Conway was enormously popular with both officers and enlisted because of his quiet nature and the intense interest he showed in every man. Unfortunately, he was killed when a Japanese shell struck his landing craft just as it reached the shore.
As if he had some premonition of what lay ahead, Conway wrote his parents on the afternoon before the invasion of Guam, suspecting that this could be his last letter to anyone:
Dear Pop and Mom and Everyone:
It isn’t too often I have to write a letter like this one. This is a pre-invasion letter. We go into Guam tomorrow. I am not so much afraid now, but tomorrow morning, no doubt, I will be plenty scared…
If the worst should happen to me, know that it is God’s will, and I gave my life for the Church and the God who rules it. I took the vow at ordination to obey. My work here is obedience at its best.
Yes, no doubt, I will be doubly scared on this major operation. Christ was scared when He was going to His death, for He cried out “Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me.” He did it for me, I must do it for Him. I’d go in if it were even to save one soul.
All the good I am going to do in there makes me courageous for “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” And there is no greater prayer than squaring souls away for God.384
I have never seen a better definition of courage. By taking our fears to God in prayer, we are able to face any challenge in his strength. Courage is knowing we have access to this strength and that it will sustain us, no matter what threatens our physical or spiritual safety.
