Religion: Parachoplain

The U.S. Marine Corps has qualified its first parachuting chaplain. Having made the required six qualifying jumps, Chaplain (Lieut. Commander) Joseph Patrick Mannion, U.S.N., 33-year-old priest of the Pittsburgh Roman Catholic diocese, finally won his silver wings, now waits at New River, N.C. for combat service.

Chaplain Mannion, once seagoing (aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga, the cruiser Brooklyn), now carries a pack. When he jumps, it rides with him: a Mass kit, holy oils, etc.

Last week the Navy gave him a clerical jumping-mate. Assigned to the same training was Chaplain Ralph Everett Tupper,...

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