Soldiers of a Different Cloth

Notre Dame Chaplains in World War II

By: John F. Wukovits, Fr. John I. Jenkins CSC CSC, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh CSC

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

In Soldiers of a Different Cloth, New York Times best-selling author and military historian John Wukovits tells the inspiring story of 35 chaplains and missionaries who, while garnering little acclaim, performed extraordinary feats of courage and persistence during World War II. Ranging in age from 22 to 53, these University of Notre Dame priests and nuns were counselor, friend, parent, and older sibling to the young soldiers they served. These chaplains experienced the horrors of the Death March in the Philippines and the filthy holds of the infamous Hell Ships. They dangled from a parachute while descending toward German fire at Normandy and shivered in Belgium's frigid snows during the Battle of the Bulge. They languished in German and Japanese prison camps, and stood speechless at Dachau.

Based on a vast collection of letters, papers, records, and photographs in the archives of the University of Notre Dame, as well as other contemporary sources, Wukovits brings to life these nearly forgotten heroes who served wherever duty sent them and wherever the war dictated. Wukovits intertwines their stories on the battlefronts with their memories of Notre Dame. In their letters to their superior in South Bend, Indiana, they often asked about the campus, the Grotto, and the football team. Their love for Notre Dame helped buttress them during their wartime tribulations, and their return to campus was akin to a warm homecoming. Soldiers of a Different Cloth will fascinate and engage all listeners interested in the history of World War II and alumni, friends, and fans of the Fighting Irish.

©2018 John F. Wukovits (P)2018 Blackstone Publishing

One of the best

A wonderful human story and an excellent historical account all in one outstanding book. Perfectly narrated as well

the characters shine through

engaging personal stories of individuals during World War II without heavy emphasis on religion or Notre Dame. just the right mix of the religious order a Notre Dame to add to the characters. wonderfully done.

An Outstanding Story of Courage and Sacrifice!

Listening to this recording provides a superb appreciation of the courage and sacrifices of a select group of men. I enjoyed every minute of it!

Marvelous

I just finished listening to this book. Kept my interest through every minute. John Wukovits has deftly woven together events from the war in Europe and the war in the Pacific. Although he focuses on chaplains who had a Notre Dame connection, he paints a picture of the larger horrors of the war. This is a history of World War II told from the view of soldiers and saiors in the thick of battle, of their anxious families, of individual triumphs and defeats. This is a book that makes you feel a bit of what soldiers and sailors experienced. Robertson Dean does a superb job of reading it. I will keep my eye out for other books he reads.

positively impactful

A wonderfully inspiring story perfectly paired with a reader whose voice does it justice. Bravo!

Extraordinary story

I bought this not knowing much about chaplains in WWII. It was a most worthwhile purchase! Thank you Audible. The selflessness of these priests during the war is so compelling, it deserves more volumes. There are just too many stories of valor, compassion, and courage. Robertson Dean is always an excellent narrator. This is one book not to be missed.

Gripping stories of courageous compassionate faith

I’m not a Notre Dame fan but picked this up because of my interest in World War II. The writer weaves together the stories of multiple priests and sisters whose service ranged from the Death March on Bataan to the Battle of Bastogne to the liberation of Buchenwald. They included several in the infamous Los Banos prison camp, which was liberated by US troops who had dropped far behind enemy lines to rescue the inmates from an impending massacre. I was deeply moved by the heroism of these chaplains, which deepened my own faith. I was also inspired by the many Filipino lay men and women who risked their lives to help Americans, including some of these priests.
The writer is generally excellent at compiling and selecting his facts, weaving them into a compelling narrative. My one quibble is that he accepted at face value the Allies’ stated reasons for bombing the Abbey at Monte Cassino. There were no Germans in the abbey but they moved into its rubble afterward, making the opposition far more difficult for the Allies.
That however in no way takes away from the heroism and service of these chaplains, or from the overall excellence of this book. Listen and be inspired.

This story made me cry

Touches the heart what these men and women went through. Amazing people and a story that will stick with me always!

Inspiring Stories

these people were the unsung heroes of the war ,who were willing to sacrifice everything for their fellow citizens. they should get more recognition for their service to country.

Repetition

There seemed to be a lot of sameness in the stories. It was just a little flat. Great sacrifices by so many individuals kept thinking of so many still suffering thru war.