What to Read

Elwood: The Story of a Catholic World War II Hero
Sr. Lucia Treanor 
Our Sunday Visitor, 163 pages

The world hasn’t heard much about Elwood Euart, but like most true heroes he was a rather ordinary man who exhibited extraordinary and selfless virtue at a critical moment in his life. For the devoutly Catholic Army captain, it was in 1942, when a troopship he was on struck friendly mines and was run aground at a South Pacific naval base. Euart went back to the sinking ship to save the last of the men but could not himself escape — one of only two deaths among the 5,300-plus men. His entire life story makes for an inspiring biography that will strengthen your pride both in America and in the Catholic faith.

Soldiers of a Different Cloth: Notre Dame Chaplains in World War II
John F. Wukovits 
University of Notre Dame Press, 
551 pages

Eminent military historian John Wukovits does his usual fine job of storytelling as he recounts the ministry of 35 priests from the University of Notre Dame who served as military chaplains during World War II. He reveals the various men’s decision to enter the chaplaincy, their experiences on the frontlines in both the European and Pacific theaters, their sharing of the risks and trials of the men they accompanied, and their later reflections on their wartime service. Among these brave men are chaplains who were involved in major armed offensives, the rescue of POWs, and even the liberation of Nazi death camps. Their sacrifices, like the sacrifices of all who serve, deserve our attention and honor.

Stronger than Steel: Soldiers of the Great War Write to Thérèse of Lisieux
Foreword by Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Angelico Press, 159 pages

Years before her canonization, St. Thérèse of Lisieux was already immensely popular among French soldiers during World War I, so much so that they carried her holy cards and medals into battle and wrote letters about their devotion to the superior of the convent where she once lived. This book collects just 75 of the thousands of such letters received at her Carmel, many of which describe how the “Little Flower” strengthened them, appeared to them, healed them of their wounds, or miraculously saved their lives on the battlefield. These incredible firsthand accounts testify to the power of intercessory prayer and how fervent faith can empower men with courage even under the most horrific conditions 
of war.