New Britain herald., 1919-06-03
CAPT. COHOLAN IS
 REAL SKY PILOT
Local Clergyman Known As
 Plying Chaplain" at Kelly Field
(By Guy C. Crapple.)

general" says the Kelly Field Eagle, in it's final edition. Referring to Father Philip F. Coholan, the popu- lar Catholic chaplain, who came here on March 18th, 1918, from Newtown, Conn.,, where he had been assistant pastor for nearly four years He IS the son of Mrs. Grace M. Coholan of New Britain, Conn.
 Captain Coholan, better known to the boys as the Flying Chaplain, was assigned to Kelly at a time when over S2,000 men were on the field. The first of the present year he was assigned to duty in all four Kelly fields. Army chaplains are assigned by the war departments as first lieu tenants but, due to the exceptional hard work, conscientiousness, and without thought for himself, he has lately been promoted to a captaincy. During the early days of this field, Chaplain COhOlan was advisor, not only men of the Catholic faith, but of every denomination. Since the month of February, Father Coholan has been the only Catholic chaplain on the fields
 Tt is an easy matter to write of a gallant warrior returning from over there'-or how some general was banqueted by his friends at home but you have a job on your hands to think of the proper superlatlVes and adjectives in describing the many things that may have prompted our government in awarding lieutenant chaplain to captaincy," said Guy c. Crapple. However, there were as many "battles' fought while a mem ho EXna6i- tionary Forces,' as were the battles fought by Pershing's crusaders.
 For example, the "fu' epidemic. By golly," said Chaplain Coholan, do you rem ember those days?" Re member?" says I. How can any of us forget it. Gee, I can still picture you, working your head off. How you plunged into the depth of work So far as Chaplain Coholan is concerned no one need ever know how he at tended the thousands of our boys in the hospital wards from early morn ing until late hours of the night Yes, and very often without eating or sleeping. The sleeping that was taken was not in a bed either-or an army bed-but in a room at the K. of c. hut-on hard old camp chair It is not necessary to tell in
  faithful clergymen under the guid- ance of their faith, stood by their country and church until the very end.
 Now that the ban of censorship has been lifted, word or two might be said about the work of a chaplain over here. For little or nothing has been said about the chaplain on this side. His work is just as important. It is under his guidance, his word of counsel and advice, that men are made to understand the obligations, duties and sacrifices that will be their share over there.
 A soldier came in and asked me where he could find the chaplain. I answered:
 That's pretty hard to say; you will find him somewhere on the field"
 Well, what are his office hours?"
 Office hours! Say, man! If he could sit down for a couple of minutes he would have office hours. but as it is he works 26 hours out of a possible 24 But if you leave word with me I'll manage to locate the chaplain for you"
 And why do you suppose this sol
 
 to get married at once.
 Well" said I, that is another question. I don't think the chaplain will hurry you along on such an inn portant journey, but I know he will see you"
 Just at that moment the chaplain came into the building.
 There he is now" the soldier said "Well chan1ain I've iheen itipc~ to see you for some time. Where do you keep yourself?"
 'I am a sky pilot so you may ex- pect to find me on earth or up in the air. I just came down. What is on your mind this morning?" My young lady friend is out there see her? I think I'll get married ' The chaplain responded, When 9" He said, Right away" The chaplain said, 'T think you won't' The chaplain and the couple were seen entering his office. A few min utes later I found him standing in | front of me again.
 What's the Verdict" said I. ''Som ething tells me that I will have l to wait a few days"
 "Oh, he is not going to marry you | right away?"
 No he said. 1T guess he did all [ the thinking. Well, you got to hand | it to the chaplain after all" The couple left the building. "A few 1 days later they returned as Mr. and Mrs ---, thankful for the advice 1 that had been given to them | This over, I accompanied the chap 1 lain around the field. As we went along he stopped to talk with this one l and that one, now giving advice. now ! joshing, for believe me he can josh