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On Easter Sunday, April 9, the Americans, fighting in the Garigliano sector, broadcast a Protestant and Catholic service on the Italian Cassino Front during the protracted [[Battle of Anzio]]. The forces had agreed to a one-hour truce.<ref>Kravat, Oy (Nordic Defense Review), https://nordicdefencereview.com/blood-and-resurrection-when-easter-turns-ugly/</ref> Yet over the course of the nearly two-hour service, not a single shot fell in the immediate sector |
On Easter Sunday, April 9, the Americans, fighting in the Garigliano sector, broadcast a Protestant and Catholic service on the Italian Cassino Front during the protracted [[Battle of Anzio]]. The forces had agreed to a one-hour truce.<ref>Kravat, Oy (Nordic Defense Review), https://nordicdefencereview.com/blood-and-resurrection-when-easter-turns-ugly/</ref> Yet over the course of the nearly two-hour service, not a single shot fell in the immediate sectorAssociated Press, ), though some German artillery barrages were fired elsewhere as the service was coming to a close. The idea of broadcasting to both Allied and German troops originated with the regimental commander and three U.S. chaplains. |
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Rev. Oscar Reinboth of Seward, NE opened (in German): “As an American chaplain I greet Protestants and Catholics, |
Rev. Oscar Reinboth of Seward, NE opened (in German): “As an American chaplain I greet Protestants and Catholics, |
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Revision as of 22:19, 14 September 2025
On Easter Sunday, April 9, the Americans, fighting in the Garigliano sector, broadcast a Protestant and Catholic service on the Italian Cassino Front during the protracted Battle of Anzio. The forces had agreed to a one-hour truce.[1] Yet over the course of the nearly two-hour service, not a single shot fell in the immediate sector[2], though some German artillery barrages were fired elsewhere as the service was coming to a close. The idea of broadcasting to both Allied and German troops originated with the regimental commander and three U.S. chaplains.
Rev. Oscar Reinboth of Seward, NE opened (in German): “As an American chaplain I greet Protestants and Catholics,
of the German army. Should not all Christendom be jubilant this day? Should not all people rejoice–now that Christ died and rose again for all men–for Germans and Americans alike? Therefore, I wish you also today, in the name of my soldiers, a
happy Easter.”[3]
(The service was broadcast in both English and German.)
Reinboth’s chaplain kit used for the sermon is on display at the National WWII Museum.[4]
References
- ^ Kravat, Oy (Nordic Defense Review), https://nordicdefencereview.com/blood-and-resurrection-when-easter-turns-ugly/
- ^ Associated Press, https://www.instagram.com/p/C5KGQN5us1g/ (scan uploaded by Chaplains’ Museum in Virginia)
- ^ David Lawrence, “A Nebraska Chaplain on the Cassino Front,” Nebraska History 25 (1944): 111
112, https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/doc_publications_NH1944NebrChaplain.pdf - ^ National World War II Museum, “Capt. Oscar Henry Reinboth used this portable altar while serving as a chaplain with the 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On Easter Sunday, April 9, 1944, Reinboth – who was fluent in German – delivered a sermon on the front lines over a loudspeaker in both German and English. During that time, the fighting ceased, but as soon as the sermon ended, shooting began again,” https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2018/03/06/the-national-world-war-ii-museum/
