The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-01-03
Waterbury Army ChaplainS Home
 After Months Of Foreign Service
Lieut.. Col. Shea, Captain CuIlitOn Pay Tribute to
 American Troops

TWO WHUerpury prleSVS, were ckoSe friends before leaving the country for duty in the Pacific area of war in l942, never met during the two years they were within two flying hours of each other in the South Pacific, until, by a strange twist of fate, they encountered each other while homeward bound on the docks in San Francisco. Both arrived home yesterday.
 Lieutenant- Colonel Thomas F. Shea, Waterbury's highest ranking chaplain, home after 34 months overseas, lauded the American forces which liberated Leyte after 35 days of constant bombardment from the Japs amid hurricane and torrential rains. A native of Water bury and former assistant pastor of the Church of the Assumption in Ansonia, Father Shea has been serv- ing as senior chaplain of the 9th Air Force in the Pacific.
 Captain John F. Culliton, former curate at St. Thomas church here before leaving for service in Feb ruary, l94l, is a veteran of the bat ties of Munda, New Caledonia, the Russell Island and New Georgia. He was federalised with the 208th Medical Regiment of the National Guard, almost three years ago train- ing at Camp Blanding, Fla, and Camp Shelby, Miss, before going overseas on October 1, l942.
 GuerrillaS Assist
 Father Shea, who participated in the landing at Leyte, praising the American Navy performance in the invasion landing in the Philippines, stated the aircraft carrier-born planes neutralized Jap air opposi- tion from airfields in the area, saved many American lives. Within two days after landing, he said, aviation engineers of the 5th Air Force ground crew set up an airfield, while Philippine guerrillas came down from the hills to guide American patrols. Native fighters further aid ed the Americans, the priest said, by locating Jap snipers in cocoanut trees.
 Expressing elation for their lib- eration, the Philippine people offer ed the Tanks chickens, fruits and vegetables. The natives were badly in need of clothing, Father Shea said.
 After viewing the rugged fighting in the Pacific area for the past few years, Father Shea, asserted
 The intervention of God is neces- sary to the winning of the war de- spite the righteousness of our cause. We have the strength of arms but that is not enough"
 He explained 1t fostered the mo- rale of fighting men, when chaplainS remained by their side, even though they were not regular church-goers, since they realized they were de- pendent on God for their safety.
 Meets Father Shanahan
 Father Shea spent his last eve ming in the Philippines with his priest cousin. Mai Thomas Shan- ahan, chaplain in charge of sup plies for the Southwest Pacific, who celebrated the first Mass of Thanks giving for the liberation of the Philippines at the provincial capital on Leyte.
 The chaplain. who is the son of Mrs. Elizabeth Shea, 100 Fairmount street, has two brothers who were recently medically discharged after Army service, Ambrose and John Shea. Other members of his family who joined in welcoming Father Shea, are Joseph Happy" Shea, city clerk. James Shea, Waterbury fire man: his brother -in-law and sister MT. and Mrs. George Cassidy: his sister, Kathryn Shea; his niece, Carol Ann Shea and nephew, Billy Shea, both children of Mir and Mrs 1 James Shea.
 Father DOyIe's Death
 Most vivid of his recollections of the, ? rugged months of jungle fighting in the South Pacific. Capt John r. Culliton said, was the death of his fellow chaplain and friend Capt, Neil Doyle. former Blessed Sacrament church curate. who was wounded on Munda in July. l943. as he was accompanying troops to the front lines. Father Culliton was at his bedside when the Waterbury priest died at Guadacanal.
 Upon returning to Munda two days later. Father Cllliton himself experienced a narrow escape, when he found the command headquarters ambushed by Jap troops.
 Quick action of trapped officers and accurate artillery fire which forced the Japs down to the beach where American machine guns opened up on the enemy, relieved the pressure, he said.
 During his many months in the Pacific islands. Father Culliton ob- served that CTS are more religious than men in civilian life he said since they face the daily reality of life and death.
 A native of Waterbury. he is the son of Mrs. Catherine Culliton of 5l Merriman street, Bristol