Catholic Military Life

In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Father Eric Albertson, CH (COL), USA, shares how he earned the Purple Heart during frontline combat in Iraq, serving those who serve. Father Albertson carries forward a rich legacy of distinguished military service above and beyond the call of duty on the part of Catholic priests. Since the Civil War, only five U.S. Military chaplains have received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. All five were Catholic priests. Father Albertson reflects on the faith that drives this prominent record of priestly service, and why it is so important for military chaplains, though noncombatants, to accompany warriors to the frontlines, not stay "behind the wire" on secure outposts when tensions flare on the battlefield.