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.

So powerful

Loved this book I never knew about their true role and sacrifice! Go Irish keep up the great tradition

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.