ORA L HIS TOR Y T RAN SC RIP T

REAR ADMIRAL HENRY JOHN ROTRIGE

Chaplain Corps, u. S. Navy (Retired)

Commander H. Lawrence Martin

Chaplain Corps, u. S. Navy

Interviewer

ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM Chaplain Corps

1983

11 in Series Chaplain Henry John Rotrige, affectionately known to his friendsasllcY/i,. entered the Navy in early 1942, a few weeks after the att~ck on . Pearl Harbor.'

'~'Hebega:rrhis ministry' withnava:l air ,which was to receive'aTargepa.rt of his ministry.' His first tour was a split one'P'{:with'the first'portionbeing devoted to the Naval

Ai r sfation;>':(iacksOnvilIe}' Florida;' and the second port ion to ' the Nav'a:l::Ait'I',eChnical Trainingcenter,calso in 'Jacksonville.

His two seatolirswer~ bot.hspent'in carriers--the USS SANTEE and the tJSS' ROOSEVELT. ( The SANTEE received the Presidential unitCftafi6'nforherparticipat.ionln the Battle of Leyte

.. ' Gulf io"1944';:)' S\lch dut,lesprepared him to serve later as

force chaplafri:·'wit.hCoinrnarider, Naval Air; Atlantic.

"Ct{apTain' Rotrige was also involved with ministry to the

Mariri~'CortJs>Hisdutyat the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris"r s ia~d"; Sou thcat61ina served as background for a later tour asfbr~echaplain, Fleet: Marine Force, Atlantic.

1'6 Chaplain Rotrige belongs the distinction of being the

first R~man'cat~6licchaplainto serve at the U. S. Naval

Academy'.' This tour (1947-51) was from all indications a happy

and success£ul one,' for he returned for another (1957-61), and

he went back to the Academy to conduct a special mass in

connection with his retirement party in 1972.

ii Although Chaplain Rotrige disclaimed having special . . ability in or propensity for ad~inistrative tasks, the Navy felt"otherwise.-· Several of hi~ assign~ents" involved him in functions that called for such expertise. Especially was this true in his assignment to two tours in the Office of the Chief of Chaplains--firstas head of plans and policies and ~hen, in the rank of rear admiral, as the Director of the Chaplains

Division. He was the first person to have this title.

Chaplain Rotrige' slast" duty assignment was as staff chaplain of Commander, service Force, pacific and as Fleet

Chaplain,u. s. Pacific Fleet. He was well prepared for that assignment, n~t: only from his wide experience, but also in that he had served as assistant to Chaplain Clinton A.

Neyman, who held that position in 1945-47. He served in this capacity··during the vietnam War and visited vietnam. At the close of that tour, the last one of his naval career, Chaplain

Rotrige was awarded the Legion of Merit. He had previously

been honored in 1964, when he was elevated to the rank of

Domestic Prelate of the Roman Catholic Church with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor.

Although he has enjoyed golf at times, Chaplain

Rotrige's chief hobby is sailing, a hobby that he has avidly

pursued since his first tour at the Academy.

Chaplain Rotrige is characterized by a deep sense of

humor, frankness and directness in dealing with personalities

and issues, a love for preaching, and a gregarious nature

iii that has won him many friends.

Asked what his contributions to the Chaplain Corps were,

Chaplain Rotrige stated with humility that he had had some part in the development of ecumenicity in the Corps; referred to the influence of his preaching, especially at the Naval

Academy; and mentioned his work toward achieving better housing for bachelor officers. He also listed his emphasis on liturgy and his stressing of the spiritual aspects of ministry.

It has been more than ten years since Chaplain Rotrige retired. He lives in , busying himself with his sailing and with participation in military and community organizations and affairs. He devotes much time to the churches of the area, where he frequently preaches and conducts mass.

Chaplain Rotrige served the Navy well during his thirty- year career. We wish for him many years of continued usefulness and happiness. /~.::fM~+~ NEIL M. STEVENSON Rear Admiral, CHC, USN Chief of Chaplains

iv This volume contains~the reminiscences of Henry

Rotrige,re.fi~~·tingh:Lspersonal recollection at the time of the interview.. No attempt has been made to confirm the historicalaccu~acyof tbe . . .- -. ~ - ". . .. The reader is reminded thathe{~ read{ng a transcript of

the spoken ° word. The interviewee has o. had the opportunity to

,'.<~":-<, . ", ;;~:,. make slight a:ddit.i

The Table of Contents and the Index are calculated to make the work more readily available to researchers whose interests may be limited.

Copies of this interview will be deposited in several

research locations:

Naval Historical Center Operational Archives Branch Building 57 Washington Navy Yard Washington, DC 20374

v :' 'Oral His ifdirlg '58 ' /h~"Washirigt0l'l Navy ::'c~~i~"(~S;~:\~~~j:~I1~}~i%·f-,'. ..<~< ....., ,,",jf?c.·Chapl-aln'.Resource .Board -""6500Hampton Blvd.' ' . );:;;t:Norfolk, ,VA. 23508 ':::"~-'>';;~'~" . - • ,. e' , • '_, .',­ '~1:~~;iif~~:~~~;1!~0;;"~; """ ,,;;,~;':Na.Va,:L~ ECillsa.tionand,!ra,ining >····Newpoi-t!;'.. ·R~' 02841" .;~/, ... ,';~::.>;:,.

'-','4-:".i-«(",''-'';:~'' ,.' .' ~-",-_,; :,:. '::).;f-.- .; .. -'r. '. _.;,.,. y'~~"~- ,':; :_.'. ::~,;:;;~~1,;~:~~_'::-:_,::.;'--<:;;~;:.:'/,~;;;: ~. .' ,,':"''-''I1~~ i:~:.c-'· ~" ,.;.£~5ii::gt~~E~~~j:§~~6;r·~:f::i,rg;;~ il~'ct.i ons" NimitZ.LibrarY. _ 'U.,s:~. Naval Academy ':';'.Anl'l~p()lis,:.' 2 .' :::..~i~.~~:t.~;·:g;:""'b'";r·;'.i af,.'..Yf:·:;i':0'''S·>,':.~~j-;;Itl'f,.~~';'..~?~:;\:7< ~:,'??'-..' ,_lJ;;/.~ ••. Naval·Ih~ti tute'" ArinapolJs,MD 21402 ;~1·c~iii.·t.iJ;··6rdinariate·(R'oman Catholic Church) 11 First Avenue >-"·I\r~·•.• York, New York 10022

in copyrights have been assigned to theChaplairl'C6rp~of'the Department of the Navy, acting on behalf of the United States of America.

}~f~iliciral history will never supplant written history, it doe~:'ha."eits adva'ntages:(l) it presents the human element;

(2 ) "it enlists' the contributions of many who would never write; (3 )'fi gets behind the scenes, telling the why and the how as weI when and the where; (4) it provides clues for additional research; and (5) it supplements other collection methods.

vi be a seQral of these TCb

H. WRENCE MARTIN Commander, CHC, USN Head, Chaplain Corps . History Branch Office of the Chief of Chaplains

vii TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD • • • • .,...... ii'

Rear Admiral Neil ~. Stevenson Chief~ofChaplains U. ,5 ,Navy

PREFACE. . • v

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS. xiv

/ SUMMARY OF THE-LIFE' AND CAREER OF HENRY JOHN ROTRIGE xvi

THE SERIES THUS . .~ . . xviii

SESSION ONE: SEPTEMBER

INTRODUCTION: TOWARD THE NAVAL CHAPLAINCY 1

The History of the Chaplain Corps Should be Better Known--Birth and Parentage--The Influence of Monsignor Thomas Kennedy--The Influence of Two Maiden Aunts--The Influence of the Parochial School--St. Louis Preparatory Seminary--Kenrick Seminary and Ordination--St. Cecilia's Parish in South St. Louis--Christ the King Church--The Attack on Pearl Harbor and Its Influence Toward Patriotism--Cardinal Cody's Influence--on Choosing the Naval Chaplaincy

INDOCTRINATION: CHAPLAINS SCHOOL AT NORFOLK (1942).. 10

Early Attitudes and Impressions--Clinton A. Neyman, Officer in Charge--Recollections Concerning the Curriculum--Relationships With Those of Different Faiths

FIRST SHORE DUTY: NAVAL AIR STATION AND NAVAL AIR TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTER, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA (1942-43) .'.••••.•.••.••...... • 12

The Strong Personality of Chaplain Maurice S. Sheehy--The Centrality of Worship--Adjustment to the Military--Comparison of the Two Assignments --Routine Duties as Chaplain--col1ateral Duties

viii ...... :..._ ..c :"'ss onal Deve/Pr 1 .Work ingWith YoungPeople-,.-:-Their Concerns~-:-The 'Importance of Ones First Assignment-~The . Evidence of Patriotism

FIRST SEA DUTY: USS SANTEE (CVE 29) (1943-45) 23

Contact With Line Officers--The General Service --Attendance at Captain's Mast--Visiting the ..' .. Ship--Counseli ng-:-C()llatera1 Du ties-:-Deployme nt s . "';'-Comba t Experience' /.' .. . .

HEADQUARTERS, FIRST NAVAL DISTRICT, , MASSACHUSETTS (1945) •....•.... 31

Demobilization--ThoughtsConcerning Naval Career

STAFF, COMMANDER,"'SERVICE FORCE, U. S. PACIFIC FLEET (1945-47)". ..•. .•...... ••.•..... 32

Travels in' the Pacific--Appreciation for Chaplain Neyman--The News of the Surrender of --More Thoughts About the Regular Navy--More About Travels--Divine Worship--the Use of Makalapa Chapel

THE U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY (1947-51). • • . . . . 42

Chaplain R6trige the First Roman Catholic Chaplai~ to Serve at the Academy--The Influence of Chaplain William N. Thomas in Securing a Catholic Chaplain--Reluctance of Some to Attend the Chapel Rather than St. Mary's Church--The Privilege of Worship Leadership At the Academy-­ the Blessed Sacrament Chapel--Weekday and Sunday Routine--Sports--Weddings--Membership Instruc­ tions--The Naval Academy Chapel and Chapels of Other Services--Design and Furnishings of the Academy Chapel--the Caliber of Midshipmen

SESSION THREE: 15 SEPTEMBER 1981

HEADQUARTERS, FIRST NAVAL DISTRICT, BOSTON, MASSA­ CHUSETTS (1951) •.•.••.•••.•..••• 54

An Interim Responsibility--A Transient Population --Cardinal Cushing

ix ROOSEVELT (CVA 42) (1951~52) . . . . . 56 Comparison with the SANTEE--Tours Officer--News­ paper Editor--Library Officer--Attitude Toward 'Collateral Duties, With Special Reference to the Navy Relief Society--Evening prayers--Worship Routine--Character Education--Counseling--News of ,~,,>",Korea--Problems in the Scheduling of Divine

.,nq;,<".;.. ~rship-:":,,:~he uniqueness ofCarrier Duty ,~_'__" ";.,::::,~~~"~/~.~.;~~/""'- --;---~;---;~-~~.-~-J'.~~ .': .~ '- ;, "~' :-~;:.:~~;:~:~:?,~.? .' .. ~_ ;'~;c;'- : . FORCE' CHAPLAIN,' COMMANDElf,NAVAtAiR;U~'S. ATLANTIC (.1952-55) •...••.• •• •;. • ,.'" •••..• '.' 65 FLEET~ ~'-" -" ./ -- - - '- "",- . - - •..'; '. : -:. ,'- - -"'­ .,i·~~~iAssociation With Carrier Chaplains--A Member of ;".the Board ·of the Inspector General--Founder and resident of. the Toastmaster Club--Character Ed­ ion at Naval Air Stations--The Importance of iO~Assign~ents~-Duty Assignments and .Selection Opportunity

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA (1955'). •.• ••.•• •••• •• • • • 70

A Strong Character Education Program--Fine worship Services--Minimal Counseling of Recruits--A Min­ istry to Drill Instructors--Marines and Sailors Compared--Officers in the Navy and the Marine Corps Compared--Thelmportance of Experience--More About Character Education, with Emphasis on Patriotism '

STAF,F, NAVAL CHAPLAINS SCHOOL, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND (1955";';56); NAVAL STATION, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND (1956-57) " . 77

serving as Catholic Chaplain at the Naval Station --Lecturing on Chaplain Corps History--Students '~Compared to Those of the Early Forties--The Dis­ advantage of the School's Location at Newport--The Curriculum--Opinion About the Ensign Chaplain Pro­ bationary Program--the Need for an Advanced Course --Relationship of the School to Other Commands-­ Character Education--Sailing

U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY, ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND (1957-61) • 84

Comparison of This Tour With the Previous One-­ the Use of Traditional worship Maintained in the Catholic program--Association With Other Chaplains--Work in an Environment That Was Now Familiar

x .. SESSION FOUR: 15 SEPTEMBER 1981

FORCE CHAPLAIN, FLEET MARINE FORCE, U. S. ATLANTIC FLEET (1961-63) . 87

Travels--Staff Meetings--catholic Ministry to the Armed Forces Staff College, Using the Atlantic ·Fleet Chapel--Character Education--Participation in the Third International Race from Buenos Aires to Rio

BUREAU OF NAVAL PERSONNEL, WASHINGTON, D. C. (1963-65) 91

Assistant for Plans and Policies--A Member of the Staff of the Inspector General--Chapels at Charleston and Miramar--Promotion to the Rank of Rear Admiral--Elevation to Domestic Prelate of the Catholic Church

DIRECTOR, CHAPLAINS DIVISION, BUREAU OF NAVAL PERSON­ NEL, WASHINGTON, D. C. (1965-68) ...... 93

Difficulties in Early Organizational Management Due to Structural Change--The Title of Deputy Chief of Chaplains a Functional Rather Than a Legal One--Utilization of Flag Billets--proper Contacts of Chaplains in the Field With the Office of the Chief of Chaplains--Speaking Engagements

FLEET CHAPLAIN, U. S. PACIFIC FLEET; COMMANDER, SERVICE FORCE, PACIFIC (1968-72) ..... 99

Visit to Vietnam--Visits in with Chaplains Passing Through--Ministry Again at Makalapa Chapel --Speaking Engagements--Incident of Service Personnel seeking Sanctuary in a Church--visiting Dignitaries--Relationship With Chaplains Assigned to Commands in Hawaii--Relationship with Line Com­ manders--Practical Advantages of Flag·Rank; Talk Concerning the Addition of Other Flag Billets-­ Retirement After Thirty Years of Active Duty; The Endorsement of Chief of Chaplains Francis L. Garrett--Social Affair at Pearl Harbor; Re­ tirement Party at Annapolis, Centering Around a Mass in the Naval Academy Chapel

SESSION FIVE: 16 SEPTEMBER 1981

FAREWELL REMARKS UPON RETIREMENT 107

xi CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CHAPLAIN CORPS. 107

Promotion of Ecumenicity--Preaching at the Naval Academy--Assisting Bachelor Chaplains to Obtain Housing Allowances By Seeking OPNAV Authority for Commanding Officers--Developing an Appreciation for the Ministry of Chaplains--Encouraging Litur­ gical Ministry on the Part of All Chaplains-­ Promoting the Concept of the Church in Community

ACTIVITIES IN RETIREMENT . 109

Priestly Ministry--Community Affairs--Military Organizations

VIEWS CONCERNING THE CHAPLAIN CORPS. • • . . • . . • • • 110

Professional Development--Inter-Church Relations --Collateral Duties--The Importance of Senior and Supervisory Chaplains--Recent Placement of the Office of the Chief of Chaplains Under the Chief of Naval Operations--Rank and Uniform for Chap­ lains a Necessity--The III Effects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse--Declining Interest of Youth in Spiritual Matters

SOME REWARDS OF THE NAVAL CHAPLAINCY • • 117

The Satisfaction of Contributing to the Spiritual Growth and Development of Others--Friendships And Associations--The Pleasure of Sharing in People's Lives

CONTINUED CONTACT WITH THE CHAPLAIN CORPS. . . • • • 118

Hail and Farewells--Days of Recollection--First Friday Frolic at Miramar--Military Chaplains Asso­ ciation--Personal Contacts--Initiatives by Endors­ ing Bodies

ADVICE FOR RETIRED CHAPLAINS • • . . . • . . • 119

Being Useful in the Church--Participating in Com­ munity Organizations and Activities--Pursuing Sports and Hobbies--Retaining Friendships

HONORS AND AWARDS ... 124

Presidential Unit Citation, American Theatre Cam­ paign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal--Philippine Liberation Ribbon

xii --Navy Occupation Medal With European Clasp-­ Legion of Merit

ADVICE FOR TODAY'S CHAPLAINS 127

Associate With People--Be Interested in People-­ Emphasize Preaching--Do Not Ignore Counseling-­ Go Where People Are--Supervisory Chaplains: Know the Conditions Under Which Your Chaplains Do Their Work

MINISTRY IN THE CHAPLAIN CORPS OF THE FUTURE • • 129

Ministering in a Society Less Interested in the Church and Less Familiar With the Clergy will Pro­ vide Challenge--Ministering in an Enviroment That is Increasingly Materialistic and Technological Will Demand Innovation

CONCLUDING REMARKS • . -.­ ...... 130

INDEX .•••• ~ •••••••• '. • • • • • • . • • • . • 132

xiii LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS

1. Rear Admiral Henry J. Rotrige, CHC, USN. xv

2. Chaplain Rotrige as Lieutenant (junior grade) .. 10-A

3 • Roman Catholic Mass, Naval Academy Chapel.... 43-A (Chaplain Rotrige, Celebrant)

4. Chaplain Rotrige celebrating Regimental Mass in Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, 28 July 1968 • ...... 9l-A

5. Rear Admiral Henry J. Rotrige, CHC, USN, Pacific Fleet Chaplain, is welcomed aboard the attack USS RANGER (CV 61) by Rear Admiral Gerald E. Miller, USN, Commander Carrier Division Three and Yankee Station Commander . . . . • . . . • . 100-A

6. Terence Cardinal Cooke, assisted by Chaplain Rotrige, celebrates mass in Makalapa Chapel in Pearl Harbor on his return from a Christmas visit to vietnam (4 January 1970). Cardinal Cook made a stopover in Honolulu in order to pay his respects to Admiral John McCain, who was then Commander of the Pacific•.... 102-A

xiv Rear Admiral Henry J. Rotrige Chaplain Corps, u. S. Navy

xv Birth sedalia; Missoufi, 24 March 1912

Education saint Louis p ory seminar~~ 1934 Kenrick Seminary, Webster Grove, Missouri, B.A., 1938

Ordination .. ~ Archbishop 11 June 1938

Civilian Ministry Assistant Pastor, st. Cecelia's Roman Catholic Church, Saint Lou is, Mi ssouri,)938-:4 0;,'", . Assistant Pastor, Christ the Kin.g Roman Catholic Church, University City, ~issouri, 1941-42

Active Commissioned Service 13 April 1942--1 July 1972

Promotion History Commissioned Lieutenant (junior grade), CHC, USNR 13 April 1942 to rank from 3 September 1941 (Transferred to the Regular Navy 13 September 1944) Lieutenant, 1 October 1942 Lieutenant Commander, 12 September 1944 Commander, 7 January 1950 Captain, 1 January 1959 Rear Admiral, 1 July 1965

Duty Assignments Naval Chaplains School, Norfolk, , April 1942--May 1942 Naval Air station, Jacksonville, Florida, June 1942--February 1943 Naval Air Technical Training Center, Jacksonville, Florida, February 1943--June 1943 USS SANTEE (CVE-29), August 1943--February 1945 Headquarters, First Naval District, Boston, Massachusetts, March 1945--November 1945 Staff, Commander, Service Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet, December 1945--June 1947 U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, June 1947--June 1951 Headquarters, First Naval District, Boston, Massachusetts, June 1951--July 1951 USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42), July 1951--November 1952

xvi Force Chap a, e j Fleet, November 1952--February 1955 Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, February'1955--August 1955 ' Staff, Naval Chaplains Schoo~, Newport, Rhode Island, August 1955--January 1956 Naval Station, Newport, Rhode Island, January 1956--0ctober 1957 U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, October 1957--June 1961 ' Force Chap aln, Fleet Marine Force, U. S. At.lantic Fleet, July 1961--June 1963 Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washingtbn, D. C., June 1963--June 1965 Director, Chaplains' 'Divis ion, Bureau of Naval Personnel, washington, D. C.; June 1965--July 1968 Fleet Chaplain, U. S. Pacific Fleet; Commander Service Force, Pacific, July 1968--June 1972

Awards and Decorations Legionof Merit Presidential'Unit Citation American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Navy Occupation Service Medal (European Clasp) Philippine Liberation Ribbon

Elevated to the rank of Domestic Prelate in the Roman Catholic Church with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor, 26 February 1964

Retirement 1 July 1972'

xvii THE SERIES THUS FAR

At the time of "the is~uance of this oraL history volume, the following transcripts in the current series were either complete (*) or in various stages of completion:

CAPTAIN ROBERTWOOn COE, JR. ~ CHC, USN ( RETIRED) *CAPTAIN.JOHN HAROLD CRAVEN, CHC, USN (RETIRED) *CAPTAIN CLIFFORD MERRILL DRURY,CHC; USNR (RETIRED) *CAPTAINWILLIAMWILCOXEDEL~ CHC, USN (RETIRED) REAR ADMIRAL FRANCIS LEONARD GARRETT, .CHC, USN (RETIRED) . . *CAPTAIN'JOSHUALOUIS GOLDBERG, CHC, USNR (RETIRED) CAPTAIN"RAYMOND CHARLES HOHENSTEIN, CHC, USN (RETIRED)., ' , REAR ADMIRAL RlC:HARDGORDC)NHUTCHESON,JR., CHC, USN r·'·":-,~:· ( RE-TIRED . ;-c.--: > ',' CAPTAIN FREDERICK WILLIAM MEEHLING;CHC, USN ( RETIRED) REAR ADMIRAL WITHERS McALISTER MOORE, CHC, USN ( RETIRED) CAPTAIN GEORGE IGNATIUS PAULSON, CHC, USN (RETIRED) *REAR ADMIRAL HENRY JOHN ROTRIGE, CHC, USN (RETIRED) CAPTAIN ROBERT MARION SCHWYHART, CHC, USN (RETIRED) *CAPTAIN RODERIC LEE SMITH, CHC, USN (RETIRED) *CAPTAINSAMUELSOBEL,. CHC, USN (RETIRED) *CAPTAIN EUGENE SAMUEL SWANSON, CHC, USN (RETIRED) *MARTHA ELLEN FONDREN THOMAS, Widow of REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM NATHANIEL THOMAS, CHC, USN (DECEASED) *CAPTAIN MERLE NEWCOMER YOUNG, CHC, USN (RETIRED) *CAPTAIN JOHN DAVID ZIMMERMAN, CHC, USN (RETIRED)

The completed series as planned will consist of 25 volumes, with the final volume being a master index.

xviii