1920 - In Peace and War

The Knights of Columbus in Peace and War, Volume 2

By Maurice Francis Egan, John James Bright Kennedy

THE war service record of the Knights of Columbus presented in the first volume of this history contains abundant evidence of the splendid support given to the Government in the war with Germany. But this record, imposing and even unique, is not complete without a record that is not less imposing, a record that certainly adds to overflowing to the measure of merit which earned from Cardinal Gibbons the imperishable tribute to the Knights of Columbus, "They are our joy and crown."

Below, without any designation of rank - be they officers or enlisted men, is presented the roster of the Knights who served with their country's colors in the war. Rhetoric is vain before so overwhelming a record of practical patriotism. Hundreds of the men whose names are printed here lie buried in France. They gave the last, full measure of devotion. Hundreds more were wounded. Thousands served under fire. But whether in the trenches, on the seas, or in the camps at home, all did their duty. It is a striking coincidence that the first American to fall in the war was a Knight of Columbus and that the last American to fall was also a Knight, and that the first man to win the Distinguished Service Cross was a Knight. Space permits nothing but the mere printing of the name of each of these Knights who answered the last great call to chivalry. Many volumes could not contain the full story of their sacrifice for their country.

(page 35)

Page 286 (ROLL OF HONOR section)

Members who served in World War I

SAYRE COUNCIL No. 1807 - Sayre Pennsylvania

Source: Google Books

The Knights of Columbus in Peace and War, Volume 2

By Maurice Francis Egan, John James Bright Kennedy

Page 286

From Volume 1 - CONCLUSION

Page 402

In this record of the war work of the Knights of Columbus and in the honor roll of Columbianism in the second volume of this book, the world is presented with proof of the magnanimous fulfillment of the pledge made by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Board of Directors, following the declaration of war, that the Order would devote all its influence and resources to the nation's aid. This record demonstrates that the Knights of Columbus are an active group in our economy, a group dominated by a single impulse - to work tirelessly for the country's welfare, to work for that union of spiritual and material good that is the true prescription for a happy and secure national life.

In the beginning the Knights adopted as a secondary slogan, the significant colloquialism, "See him through," and they have not only seen the service man through his term of enlistment with the colors, but back to civilian life and to a better opportunity in the world. The Knights have seen the nation through. They stand before their countrymen as the embodiment of that Catholic patriotism which has never faltered and which never more gloriously distinguished itself than in the late war. The Hierarchy pledged all possible Catholic aid and comfort to the Government; Bishop Muldoon pledged the fullest endeavor on the part of the noble Catholic sisterhoods, the superior of the Society of Jesus pledged the personnel and institutions of that famous body in America's cause. All these pledges have been religiously fulfilled, adding to the inspiring story of Catholic achievement for the upbuilding and preservation of the American nation.

If the denominational note is stressed in this final statement of satisfaction, it is because American Catholics, in past years, have suffered through malicious propaganda that has belittled and misinterpreted their patriotism. It is not a case of protesting our loyalty too much; it is merely a matter of recording permanently, if inadequately, the Catholic contribution to the common victory.