Caring for the Army Family: profiles of Army Chaplain Corps members since 1775

[This article was submitted by Stella Naulo]

The members of the Chaplain Corps have been caring for all the members of the Army Family since July 29, 1775. The Corps was composed of only chaplains when it was founded, but 250 years later, it is now a fully integrated team of religious and spiritual support professionals, including chaplains, religious affairs specialists, civilian directors of religious education, and other Army civilians. That dedicated team is supported by Chaplain Corps Family members, countless volunteers, and other partners. This article is one in a series highlighting historic and active members’ profiles of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps since 1775.

Medal of Honor Recipients

Chaplain (Captain) Emil Kapaun of the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 11, 2013, for his heroic actions during the Battle of Unsan on November 1–2, 1950, when he saved numerous Soldiers under enemy fire and continued to care for POWs until his death in captivity on May 23, 1951. He was recently declared Venerable in February 2025; his selflessness and courage being formally recognized by the Catholic Church have marked his legacy as a true hero of faith and valor. To learn more about Chaplain (Captain) Emil Kapaun’s legacy, visit, www.army.mil/medalofhonor/kapaun/. For more details about his recognition by the Catholic Church, visit https://frkapaun.org/.

Chaplain John Whitehead of the 15th Indiana Infantry received the Medal of Honor on April 4, 1898, for repeatedly braving enemy fire to rescue wounded Soldiers during the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee, on December 31, 1962.

Chaplain Francis Hall of the 16th New York Infantry received the Medal of Honor on February 16, 1897, for bravely rescuing wounded Soldiers under heavy fire at Salem Heights, Virginia, on May 3, 1863, while refusing to accept pay for his service.

First Lieutenant James Hill of the 21st Iowa Infantry received the Medal of Honor on March 15, 1893, for capturing three enemy pickets while leading a foraging party at the Battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi, on May 16, 1863. He later became his regiment’s chaplain.

Chaplain Milton Haney of the 55th Illinois Infantry received the Medal of Honor on November 3, 1896, for volunteering as a rifleman and heroically helping retake a lost position during the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864.

Corporal Calvin Titus of the 14th U.S. Infantry received the Medal of Honor on March 11, 1902, for scaling the 30-foot Peking city wall under enemy fire during the Battle of Peking on August 14, 1900, and was one of the many Soldiers who fulfilled the duties of a chaplain assistant before the position was officially authorized on December 28, 1909.

Chaplain (Major) Charles Watters of the 173rd Airborne Brigade was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on November 4, 1969, for repeatedly risking his life to aid wounded Soldiers, providing spiritual support to those who needed it, and rescuing a paratrooper under fire during the assault on Hill 875 in Vietnam on November 19, 1967.

Chaplain (Captain) Angelo Liteky of the 199th Infantry Brigade received the Medal of Honor on November 19, 1968, for repeatedly braving enemy fire to rescue over 20 wounded Soldiers, despite sustaining his own injuries, during a fierce battle near Phuoc-Lac, Vietnam, on December 6, 1967.

Learn more about these Medal of Honor recipients and the history of the Army Chaplain Corps by exploring the interactive version of the Army Chaplain Corps 250th Anniversary booklet.

Reverend John Hurt

Reverend John Hurt holds the distinguished honor of being the first official chaplain of the United States Army. His journey into military chaplaincy began during the Revolutionary War, when he served as the chaplain for the 6th Virginia Regiment starting on October 1, 1777. Throughout the war, Hurt was more than a spiritual advisor; he was a steadfast companion to his Soldiers, often sharing in the hardships of battle and captivity.

In 1791, recognizing his unwavering dedication and the essential role of spiritual guidance in the military, President George Washington appointed Hurt as the U.S. Army’s first official chaplain. This appointment not only acknowledged Hurt’s personal contributions but also solidified the importance of chaplaincy within the U.S. armed forces.

As Chaplain Hurt, beyond his official duties, he was known for delivering impassioned sermons that bolstered the morale and patriotism of the troops. One notable sermon, titled “The Love of Our Country,” emphasized the virtues of patriotism and the collective responsibility of citizens to uphold liberty and justice. Hurt’s eloquence and fervor provided solace and inspiration during the tumultuous times of the revolution. He preached before the Virginia Troops in New Jersey: “The love of our country is a principle which hath been more celebrated in all ages, hath been the subject of more praise and panegyric, than any other affection in the whole train of virtue. It hath been the constant theme of poets, orators and historians; statues and medals have been erected and struck, and all the treasures of art and wit perpetually exhausted, in doing honour to those who have excelled in this character: And indeed the name of Patriot implies, in its true sense, every thing that is most great and godlike among men; it carries in it the idea of a public blessing; it implies a power of doing good, exerted and extended to whole communities; and resembles, within its sphere, that universal providence which protects and supports the world.”

Chaplain John Hurt’s legacy is a testament to the profound impact that spiritual leadership can have in times of conflict. His pioneering role set a precedent for the integration of faith and service in the military, a tradition that continues to this day.

Chaplain (Major General) Matthew Zimmerman Jr.

Chaplain (Major General) Matthew Zimmerman Jr. dedicated his life to spiritual leadership and military service. He earned his Master of Divinity from Duke University. Before joining the military, he served as a campus pastor at Idaho State University and Morris College in South Carolina.

In 1967, Zimmerman was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. His early service included a tour in Vietnam, where he not only provided spiritual support to Soldiers but also assisted local orphanages by collecting essential supplies. His commitment to service extended through deployments in Panama and Grenada.

In 1990, Zimmerman was promoted to Major General and made history as the 18th Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army. He provided spiritual support to Soldiers during pivotal operations, including Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the Gulf War’s defensive buildup and combat phases in 1990 and 1991; and Operation Restore Hope, the humanitarian and peacekeeping mission in Somalia in 1992. He always ensured that chaplains were available to support Soldiers, maintaining morale and offering guidance across combat, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts.

Zimmerman received various awards throughout his career including the NAACP’s Roy Wilkins Meritorious Service Award, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defence Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Honor Medal, 1st class. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the Chaplain Corps and the broader military community, embodying the core values of faith, courage, and compassion that are essential in military life.

Chaplain (Major) Menachem Stern

Chaplain (Major) Menachem (Mendy) Stern serves as the Command Chaplain for the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade and as the Jewish Chaplain at Joint Base San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. A dedicated spiritual leader, Chaplain Stern is committed to fostering the spiritual well-being of Soldiers, their Families, and Army civilians, ensuring that their faith and resilience remain central to their readiness and service. His work emphasizes creating inclusive, faith-driven environments that empower individuals to thrive spiritually while contributing to the strength and cohesion of the Army Family. Among his most significant achievements is spearheading the Religious Accommodations Readiness for Excellence (RARE) initiative, an AI-powered system designed to integrate religious accommodations into mission planning. By proactively identifying and addressing religious needs, RARE ensures that every Soldier can practice their faith without compromising mission readiness, strengthening trust in the military and unlocking the full potential of a diverse force. In addition to this innovation, Stern finds deep meaning in witnessing the resilience of Soldiers as they draw strength from their faith during challenging times, reinforcing his belief in the Chaplain Corps’ mission and the vital role of spirituality in military service.

A passionate advocate for religious inclusion, Stern has strengthened Jewish communities across multiple duty stations, notably leading a vibrant congregation at Fort Leonard Wood that regularly attracted over 75 attendees. He extended his outreach to five additional installations, helping Soldiers and Families deepen their faith and sense of belonging. Recognizing the Army’s traditionally reactive approach to religious accommodations, he developed RARE as a groundbreaking, CAC-enabled dashboard that integrates military data systems like PEMSII-PT, RAFT, and ASCOPE to help commanders seamlessly incorporate religious needs into operational planning. His work directly supports the Chief of Chaplain’s priority of “Delivering Ready UMTs to Combat Formations” by ensuring that religious considerations are an integral part of mission readiness. Beyond this, he has fostered spiritual resilience through unit prayer breakfasts, Family retreats, and open dialogue, strengthening bonds of trust and mutual support across the Army Family.

Honored with the prestigious Order of Axton for his service as Arlington National Cemetery’s first active-duty Jewish chaplain, Stern remains committed to making a lasting impact on the Chaplain Corps. He has worked tirelessly to secure resources for Jewish Soldiers, including access to kosher food and accommodations for religious observances, using his communication and relationship-building skills to educate and advocate for their needs. His leadership in RARE aligns with the Army’s push for “Continuous Transformation,” offering a proactive, inclusive solution to religious accommodation. By continuing to develop innovative programs and champion Soldiers’ spiritual well-being, he aims to foster a culture of understanding and respect across the force. Ultimately, his mission is to ensure that every Soldier, regardless of faith background, has the resources and support to thrive, strengthening both individual resilience and the Army as a whole.

As we reflect on the rich history and growth of the Army Chaplain Corps, it is clear that the commitment to providing spiritual care and support has remained unwavering. From its humble beginnings in 1775 to its current, dedicated team of professionals, the Corps continues to serve as a cornerstone of strength and resilience for the Army Family.

Today, as in the past, Army chaplains, directors of religious education (DREs), and religious affairs specialists stand ready to offer guidance, comfort, and hope to Soldiers and their Families, regardless of faith. Their work is not just about tending to the spiritual needs of individuals, but about fostering unity, morale, and a sense of purpose within the ranks.

This year, as we celebrate 250 years of service, we honor the legacy of those who have gone before, and we remain inspired by the dedication and compassion that continues to define the Army Chaplain Corps. The contributions of these spiritual leaders, their Families, volunteers, and partners are an enduring testament to the power of faith, service, and community.

Stay tuned for more profiles in our series, as we continue to highlight the remarkable history and impact of the Army Chaplain Corps.