Video: Rare Footage of a Catholic Mass Aboard a Ship On Its Way to Iwo Jima

http://www.aleteia.org ^ | November 10, 2014 | ZOE ROMANOWSKY

[NKP_Vet]

This short color film was shot on Monday, February 12, 1945, on a tank landing ship on its way to the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. It is likely, given the number of deaths in the battle, some of the men shown in this film never made it back. The film depicts Mass being celebrated on board the ship during high seas. The white liturgical vestments of the chaplain indicate a holy day: That year, February 12 was the eve of Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. This remarkable footage brings to mind the men and women who have given their lives over the years in service to their country.

[oh8eleven]

its amusing how they are swaying in unison with the rolling of the ship
I was on an LST for six months back in the late 60s and as a Marine I hated every minute of it.
We were in tropical seas so we saw movies on the deck of the ship. The ship and the screen would sway & roll and with billions of stars as a backdrop, lots of guys got sea sick real easy.
Interesting that when I see some of those movies today, I see them swaying and rolling as I did back then.

[exit82]

I look at all those faces and realize that many of them would not live another two weeks.

God bless them and their memory.

[NKP_Vet]

Battle of Iwo Jima: 26,000 American casualties, which included almost 7,000 deaths. The battle produced 27 Medal of Honor recipients.

[mlizzy]

Extraordinary find. Thank you so much! Jesus Lives in the Eucharist!! .. ♥

[GoneSalt]

I’m not Catholic but I would tell the Padre I needed all the help I could get.

[johngrace]

Thank you. It was inspiring. My father and uncles were in WW 2.

[johngrace]

Amen!!! Amen!!! Amen!!!