Latter-day Saints have a rich heritage of patriotism, going all the way back to the twelfth Article of Faith. Many have pledged their lives in military service as a part of that patriotism, and the Saints at War Project has collected the stories, photographs, and artifacts of their experiences. Here are just a few.
All photos courtesy of the Saints at War Project.
Stanley Shultz, an officer during the Vietnam War, received a jeep for his use. Dismayed over the graffiti that decorated it, he cleaned it up and gave the jeep its own distinctive Latter-day Saint identity by painting "Mahonri Moriancumer" across the front. Courtesy of Stanley Schultz.
A South Vietnamese woman is confirmed.
The Mormon Mustang, flown by Roland R. Wright during WWII. Left to right: Don Roepe, assistant crew chief; 1st Lt. Roland R. Wright, pilot; Kelley Lloyd, crew chief; Ken Arverson, armorer.
A serviceman is baptized in a lagoon off Saipan during World War II in 1945.
Elder Harold B. Lee (right) served as Committee Chairman for the LDS Servicemen's Committee during the Korean War. He was given a uniform and made "Brigadeer General" for the day. This 1954 photo of him standing with Mission President Hilton Robertson (left) was taken on Elder Lee's visit to Korea, where he provided support to the servicemen, as well as heightened awareness of the Church in Korea.
This jeep was decorated by Latter-day Saint chaplains in World War II. On the windshield are images of angel Moroni, a beehive, and the word Deseret. The servicemen hoped the jeep would attract the gaze of other Latter-day Saint servicemen. Pictured are Timothy Irons, Vern Cooley, and Claude Burtenshaw.
The first Latter-day Saint chapel in Korea, built by servicemen during the Korean War.
Latter-day Saint chaplains serving in World War I.
Latter-day Saint Base Chapel on New Guinea during World War II. Heber Partington, who contributed this photo, got permission each week from his captain to attend services in this chapel.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie with son Joseph McConkie outside of Saigon during the Vietnam War in fall 1968. Courtesy of Farrell Smith.
1944 sacrament meeting held on the USS Cambria during World War II.
Sacrament trays prepared by Elmo Walker for services in North Africa during WWII, 1943 to 1944.
A group of servicemen having scripture study during World War II.
The USS Joseph Smith (May 1943) was the second liberty class ship to be named for a Church figure (though it was not named after the prophet Joseph Smith but one of his descendants). The first was the USS Brigham Young (August 1942). Liberty class ships carried troops, prisoners, and freight during World War II and were named for distinguished deceased people.
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