Worship with General Patton

On Christmas Eve 1944, Chaplain McDonald was in Luxembourg as the Battle of the Bulge raged on. Conditions were still dangerous, but the proximity of the front lines allowed for an illustrious visitor. General George Patton, infamous for his bold personality and pride, insisted on attending worship services despite the danger, and Frederick, a fellow Episcopalian, was honored to meet him.

The blessing given, I walked quickly back to this General of stern expression, welcomed him and reminded him that whenever Kaiser Wilhelm visited the Headquarters he came to services here. ‘Would you, Sir, like to sit in the Kaiser’s pew?’ His face broke into a smile, and his reply was, ‘Lead me to it’.

–Fred McDonald