Six years ago, two professors of Church history at Brigham Young University became aware of a deficit in one specific niche of Church history—information on Latter-day Saint service in wartime. Professors Robert Freeman and Dennis Wright began the task of researching, discovering, recording, and archiving the stories of Latter-day Saint veterans. This effort has since been called the Saints at War project.

Brother Howard Bradshaw was a group leader during the Korean War and participated in the first baptisms of Koreans in Korea.

Initially, the research for the project was centered around World War II. Freeman says: “As I look back, I remember it wasn’t very long before I had a keen sense that this was going to be big. It’s fascinating to discover how the terrible thing we call war can produce a greater reliance on God.” He says that the focus on the spiritual is what sets the Saints at War project apart from the other thousands of history books on store shelves, and that separation is what makes the message of this project so important. “At this point, about 1,500 American veterans are dying each day. We don’t have the luxury of relaxing and waiting and wondering if someone else is going to do this. The opportunity will be gone.” Because of the importance of the message and time sensitivity, a call for help was extended; students responded.

Jeff Jensen, an undergraduate studying both human development and history, joined the Saints at War project. “These veterans made sacrifices so we can enjoy freedom, not oppression. With the unique Latter-day Saint perspective, we see Saints in wartime who have the gospel and how the Lord works through them even in the midst of war.” Jeff is currently preparing the Saints at War exhibit that will be displayed in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections section of the library in September. He is involved in researching, collecting, and archiving artifacts, in addition to writing the display captions. “I’ve never served in the military,” he says, “but I feel like it’s a small way to serve my country by ensuring that these veterans’ sacrifices are remembered.”

Brother Stanley Shultz was an LDS chaplain during the Vietnam War. He redecorated an army jeep to help locate LDS servicemen.

Mentored by Freeman, students push the Saints at War project forward. Reflecting on the students’ impact on the research, Freeman says: “It’s unprecedented in my career to have students—graduate or undergraduate—show such passion for the research. We wouldn’t do half of what we do, not even close, without our students.”

Yet the students involved in the research suggest that they gain more than they give, both from the work itself and from Freeman as their mentor. Jason Thompson, a history major who is planning on attending law school, says: “Brother Freeman gives you a lot of responsibility and expects you to live up to it. So you do. He’s a patient person who is completely dedicated to this project, and he makes you want to be 100 percent dedicated.”

Jon Felt, a chemical engineering major, says this of Freeman: “The dedication of Brother Freeman in honoring the memories of veterans has increased my appreciation for the veterans and their sacrifice.”

Brother Winchester, currently serving in the Marine Corps, was part of the initial invasion of Baghdad. Pictured here is the first group of LDS Servicemen to meet together and hold a sacrament meeting during the War in Iraq--probably the first ever in Baghdad.

All of the students who are involved feel like being mentored has given them an edge. Jensen says: “I feel like I’ve gained research experience, learned how to be highly productive in a specialized field, and most importantly, learned the value of all people. Mentored-learning experiences give students an edge as undergraduates; it opens doors and prepares you to better handle and succeed in whatever comes.”

Felt is grateful for the experience and says it prepared him for the future. “I’m planning on going into trauma surgery. The interactions I’ve had with people while working on Saints at War has given me experience to be a better doctor—understanding the value of the individual.”

While the Saints at War project spans centuries, nations, and wars, it brings generations and people together. Thompson says: “There’s no price you could put on this project. The lives, examples, and stories of these veterans and their faith are so important.” p>

Chaplain Allison served in Afghanistan and participated in the dedication of the first LDS meetinghouse in Afghanistan.

Freeman hopes that many will benefit from the project whether they work on it or glean from the research. He says: “The best thing we can produce with this research is education to help everyone understand the legacy of LDS service, then, through that process of education, to create a sense of gratitude for the sacrifice of veterans. I think the natural result of that is tribute—tribute to those who serve. And that’s what this project is for—bringing people together.”

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May 30, 2006