Blackrobe in Blue: The Naval Chaplaincy of John P. Foley, S.J. 1942

Rating:
Summary: Scholarly and enjoyable!
Review: This recent book provides a fascinating account of an important World War II subject about which, until now, there has been a dearth of information among the plethora of writings on that conflict. The military chaplaincy played a significant an influential role during the war and such is reflected in this account of a Jesuit chaplain.

The story of John P. Foley is not another WW II memoir written either too soon after the conflict to provide historical perspective, or long after relying on faded memories. Rather, it is predicated on a detailed war diary of a well-educated priest and Naval officer. The author uses the diary accompanied by interviews with the subject as a basis for the book. He has however, the academic background to relate the story in relevant historical terms and offers analysis in this regard. Dr. O'Brien manages the difficult task of balancing a scholarly endeavor with an enjoyable read.

This work is a history book more so than a religious one. It is about a very important part of naval life in a combat theatre. It is not a sugar-coated version. The author pulls no punches about the realities of life at the time, including serious conflict between the chaplain and senior officers.

It seems today that subjects with any sort of religious connotation are politically incorrect however, during the war religion had a significant influence. Any study of "the greatest generation" would be left wanting without an understanding of the historical and social impact men like Father Foley had on those who fought the war.

Rating:
Summary: Scholarly and enjoyable!
Review: This recent book provides a fascinating account of an important World War II subject about which, until now, there has been a dearth of information among the plethora of writings on that conflict. The military chaplaincy played a significant an influential role during the war and such is reflected in this account of a Jesuit chaplain.

The story of John P. Foley is not another WW II memoir written either too soon after the conflict to provide historical perspective, or long after relying on faded memories. Rather, it is predicated on a detailed war diary of a well-educated priest and Naval officer. The author uses the diary accompanied by interviews with the subject as a basis for the book. He has however, the academic background to relate the story in relevant historical terms and offers analysis in this regard. Dr. O'Brien manages the difficult task of balancing a scholarly endeavor with an enjoyable read.

This work is a history book more so than a religious one. It is about a very important part of naval life in a combat theatre. It is not a sugar-coated version. The author pulls no punches about the realities of life at the time, including serious conflict between the chaplain and senior officers.

It seems today that subjects with any sort of religious connotation are politically incorrect however, during the war religion had a significant influence. Any study of "the greatest generation" would be left wanting without an understanding of the historical and social impact men like Father Foley had on those who fought the war.