Searching for a Chaplain

Posted:
By: James E. Spellman
On: 01/18/2005

I am a new member of the 401st BGA. My dad is John W. Spellman (Co-pilot/pilot). I am a free-lance writer and I would like to do an article about a WWII chaplian. Does anyone know if the 401st had a chaplain and, if he is still living, how I may reach him?

Re: Searching for a Chaplain

Posted:
By: Scott McElvain
On: 02/06/2005

I am the next generation... Ward Fellows, a former chaplain of the group, died a few years ago. I'm sure he wasn't the only chaplain, but he was the only one I can recall from the reunions... Hopefully you'll get some more feedback on this.

Re: Searching for a Chaplain

Posted:
By: Jack Lippert
On: 02/07/2005

There were two chaplains with the 401st: Ward J. Fellows was the protestant chaplain and Joseph H. Burke was the Roman Catholic chaplain. Prior to 1976, my dad visited Fr. Burke who was living at a retirement home for retired priests. His health was fair at that time, but I'm sure he must have died by now.

There are short write-ups and a photo for each on this web site. On the main page click "Gallery." Scroll down the page to a listing named "Leaders." The chaplains are 5th and 6th above the last listing of Leaders.