Book Review: Battle Hymn

Dean Hess
Buckeye Aviation Book Company, Reynoldsburg, OH, 1987.
Topic: Christianity and War

Battle Hymn is the true story of a preacher who became a fighter pilot and fought in World War II and Korea. Col Dean Hess is largely credited with the forming the Republic of Korea (South Korea) Air Force and being the driving force behind Operation Kiddy Car, in which hundreds of orphans were flown out of Seoul to avoid the Communist invasion.

Though some sources question the bravado of Col Hess, the story presents an interesting look at a spiritual man in what sometimes seems an unholy profession. Apparently the book was also made into a movie by the same name (starring Rock Hudson) that strayed slightly from the true storyline.

Recommended. While not always complimentary of Hess’s actions (both as a Christian and an Air Force officer), it is a worthwhile read. It is a particularly interesting read for young fighter pilots who are looking to an assignment at Osan or Kunsan in Korea.

This book appears to be out of print, but the most recent (1987) and older versions are available through re-sellers at Amazon. (This site is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through Amazon referrals.)

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Thousands of Bibles to be Donated to Military

As noted at the Christian Post, Operation Worship has teamed with a variety of groups to deliver “100,000 Bibles in 100 days” to military members and their families.  The Bibles are purchased by individuals who write a personal note in it and then return it to be delivered to the military.

While there may be some hesitation about such distribution given the recent sensitivity over such matters, the organization says that the Bibles will be delivered to Chaplains who will distribute them as troops are being deployed.  In addition, the organization says it launched the effort to ensure that they reached every soldier that wants a Bible.

Respect and Professional Conduct

Christians can and should be involved in public discourse, particularly with respect to Christianity in the public square.  This may mean that they will have opportunities to support statements with which they agree, refute those that they do not, and defend the actions of Christians against unjust or unfounded accusations.  Throughout such discourse, they must endeavor to do so with tolerance and respect for the beliefs and ideas of others.  While there is generally nothing wrong with a stern defense, it is sometimes easy to adopt prejudicial views rather than respond with consideration.  While Christians should be emboldened to speak the truth, even the recent “Evangelical Manifesto” took Christians to task for “expressing the truth without love.”

Christians should remember, too, that tolerance means to respect another’s rights to have different beliefs.  Contrary to modern interpretations, it does not mean that one has to accept those beliefs or agree to their opposing truth claims.  This was once simplified as respecting another person’s “right to be wrong.”  (Pluralism, on the other hand, asserts that there is no single “right” answer; in fact, opposing beliefs may be equally “right.”)

In the military, such respect for another’s beliefs is not only recommended, it is required.  While a civilian can run another person’s faith into the ground without recourse, a military member who did the same Read more

Crosses Removed from Army Chapel

According to FoxNews, the Army has decided to remove three crosses and a memorial plaque that honored a Chaplain who died while serving on Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo.  This was reportedly to comply with Army regulations that require chapels to have neutral appearances and not be named.  From 13-3:

The chapel environment will be religiously neutral when the facility is not being used for scheduled worship.  Chapels must be available to people of all faith groups for meditation and prayer when formal religious services are not scheduled.

[Religious] symbols are to be moved or covered when not in use. Distinctive religious symbols, such as crosses, crucifixes, the Star of David, menorah, and other religious symbols, will not be affixed or displayed permanently on the chapel exterior or grounds. Permanent or fixed chapel furnishings, such as the altar, pulpit, lectern, communion rail, prie-dieu, or reredos, will be devoid of distinctive religious symbols.

While some blogs have criticized the Army for the move, neutral symbology is fairly standard Read more

President Delivers Final Academy Commencement

The Colorado Springs Gazette covers the President’s commencement address at the US Air Force Academy on Wednesday. 

Our nation is once again contending with an ideology that seeks to sow anger and hatred and despair – the ideology of Islamic extremism. In today’s struggle, we are once again facing evil men who despise freedom, and despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule. And once again, our nation is called to defeat these adversaries – and secure the peace for millions across the world. And once again, our enemies will be no match for the men and women of the United States Air Force….

Be officers of character and integrity. Keep your wings level and true. Never falter; do not fail. And always know that America stands behind you.

Thank you. May God bless, and congratulations to the Class of 2008.

See the full text.

Army Chaplain Pastors Rangers

In a video at the Baptist Press, Chaplain (Capt) Jeff Struecker speaks about the spiritual support he gives the trainees at the US Army Ranger School.

The more difficult the circumstances, the more receptive they are to issues of faith…

There is an urgency for me to share the gospel of Jesus Christ…

My heroes are Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airman, and I can’t think of a greater privilege than to be a pastor to a group of my heroes.

The Chaplain is the former Staff Sergeant Struecker of Blackhawk Down fame.  One of his stories is recounted in Stories from a Soldier’s Heart, and he has written his story in The Road to Unafraid.  (See the last three paragraphs of this article.)

Soldier Shoots Koran, General Apologizes

According to CNN (with more commentary here), a US Army Major General formally apologized to an Iraqi village after a soldier used a Koran for target practice.  The General called the soldier’s actions “criminal behavior,” and a military official “kissed a Koran” and provided it as a gift to the village.

An Iraqi party claimed that the apology and reassignment were insufficient and demanded “the severest punishment.”

UPDATE: According to CNN, President Bush has personally apologized to the Iraqi Prime Minister.  CNN has updated the article in response to the White House assertion that there was no “apology.”

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