Description
A Soldier’s Song
During World War II, there was hardly a home in the country that didn’t have a family member serving in the armed forces. In fact, by September 1945, over twelve million Americans were in military service, representing more than nine per cent of the U.S. population. It is no wonder that a song written in 1943 by Walter Kent and James Gannon, and performed by Bing Crosby, became an instant hit that holiday season. Written from the viewpoint of a member of the Armed Forces who was away from home for the holidays, it touched a tender place in the hearts of Americans, both GIs and civilians. The soldier in the song promised that he’d be home for Christmas, “if only in my dreams.” The song was titled “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Although the music and words were beloved by U.S. soldiers and families alike, the B.B.C. in the United Kingdom banned it from their playlist for the duration of the war, at the urging of military officials. They worried that it would just make their troops depressed and distracted. However, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” became the most requested song at American Christmas U.S.O. shows in both Europe and the Pacific, and when Bing Crosby did performances for the troops, no matter what the month of the year, they demanded that he sing that song.
In the same year “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was released, the sailors on the battleship U.S.S. North Carolina had a memorable experience which represented the feelings expressed in the song. In August 1943, Chaplain E.P. Wuebbens, who served the 2,300 servicemen on the ship, wanted to do something to raise the morale of the men. Many of his crew were fathers and brothers who would be spending the Christmas holiday thousands of miles away from their families. 147 had sons or daughters and 582 had brothers and sisters. Wuebbens collected $5.00 from every crew member who had a young family at home, collecting $2,404.25.
Chaplain Wuebbens then wrote a letter, and a check for the amount collected, to Macy’s Department Store in New York City. He requested that the store use the money to purchase, wrap, and mail a toy to each of the 729 children on the list. He allotted $3.00 each for a toy and $2.00 for shipping and a card. Whether a football, Raggedy Ann doll, stuffed animal, board game, book, or other toy was sent, the card was to say, “Merry Christmas from your dad/brother and his shipmates in the U.S.S. North Carolina!” The last paragraph of the letter the chaplain wrote said: “We realize that we are asking a great deal, but your firm gave this ship such splendid service a few years ago that we have all confidence that you can and will again. You will be adding greatly to the happiness of our children and to our own Christmas joy out here in one of the war zones. Incidentally, we hope that a bit of that joy will reflect on you and your staff of workers.”
Macy’s Department store fulfilled their order, but in addition to sending gifts to the military families at home, they made a one of a kind gift for the soldiers as well. They reached out to each family and asked if they wanted to come to the Macy’s store and send a special message to their loved one who would not be able to be home for Christmas. Many mothers and children came and were filmed opening their gifts and telling their husbands and brothers hello and Merry Christmas.
On Christmas Eve 1943, in the New Hebrides islands of the South Pacific, the men on the U.S.S. North Carolina watched their fellow crew members perform in a variety show which included Christmas music, songs, and skits. When the entertainment ended, Chaplin Wuebbens turned on the film projector. Expecting to see a training video or other movie they had already watched, the soldiers were overwhelmed when they saw their wives, children, and loved ones appear before them on the screen, expressing their love and holiday wishes. The tough sailors watched with tears streaming down their faces. They weren’t home for Christmas, but a bit of home had come to them.
On Christmas morning, the U.S.S. North Carolina, who earned 15 battle stars in WWII, shipped out, with orders to provide support for a carrier attack. Thanks to Macy’s Department Store, the fathers, husbands, and brothers aboard the ship were able to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas, in a more wonderful way than they could have dreamed.
https://toritto.wordpress.com/2018/12/17/the-battleship-north-carolina-macys-and-christmas-1943/
https://www.ourstate.com/christmas-aboard-the-uss-north-carolina/
https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200000010/
This story was written by Jean Tonioli
Copyright Glenn Rawson 2022
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