Throughout history, military chaplains have stood beside soldiers, tending to their spiritual needs, boosting morale, and aiding the wounded. The tradition dates back to ancient times when the early Israelites brought their priests into battle. Pagan priests accompanied the Roman legions during their conquests, and as Christianity became the predominant religion of the Roman Empire, Christian chaplains began ministering to Roman soldiers. The term “chaplain” itself is derived from the Latin word “cappa,” meaning cloak.

The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is one of the oldest and smallest branches of the Army, established on July 29, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized one chaplain for each regiment of the Continental Army, with pay equal to that of a captain. Chaplains also served in many militia regiments during the War for Independence.

Since then, chaplains have participated in every American war, and the Corps has evolved over time. The Mexican War saw the introduction of Roman Catholic chaplains, while the Civil War brought Jewish and African American chaplains into the fold. The role of chaplain assistant was created to support their vital work, and in January 1979, the Army commissioned its first female chaplain. Today, the Corps comprises approximately 1,300 active-duty chaplains and 1,200 in the reserve components, representing five major faith groups—Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist—and over 120 denominations, providing spiritual guidance to soldiers and their families.

Chaplains primarily focus on spiritual and moral issues, yet many have shown extraordinary bravery. Countless stories recount chaplains administering last rites to fallen soldiers amid active gunfire or risking their lives to rescue the wounded. Five chaplains have earned the Medal of Honor for their valor, the most recent being Chaplain (MAJ) Charles J. Watters, awarded posthumously in November 1969. Many others have made the ultimate sacrifice, living up to the Chaplain Corps motto, “Pro Deo Et Patria” (For God and Country).

The Army Historical Foundation, established in 1983 as a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the official fundraising entity for the National Museum of the United States Army. The Foundation aims to educate future generations about the sacrifices American soldiers have made to preserve our nation’s freedoms. Its funding supports the acquisition and conservation of Army historical art and artifacts, educational programs, research, and publication of historical materials on the American soldier, and provides guidance to private and governmental organizations with similar missions.

This Foundation operates as a non-federal entity, independent of the Department of Defense and its components, with no government status.