tributes to Maylen Madsen
It had been such a short time since I had labored as a missionary in Central Kentucky, but time has a way of changing from where we are to where we might be and what we are doing. While in the mission field the greatest fear among missionaries was having to return home, only to be drafted and go to Korea. When I found myself in the thick of the Korean conflict, it came as no surprise.
It was a difficult change from missionary work, to a soldier in the army. One of my greatest difficulties was being exposed to the colorful way most everyone had in expressing themselves. I hated the use of the filthy and profane expressions which were too frequently used. I turned to my Heavenly Father for strength, and sought guidance that I might be an example for good to those with whom I associated. It seemed at the time, any attempt to discourage such behavior went unnoticed. |
Upon arriving in Korea, I was immediately sent to the Main Line of Resistance. Part of my duties entailed making daily casualty (sp) reports of both friendly and enemy forces. In contacting the Operations Office at the rear, I was invariably confronted with a barrage of profanity. He did little less than to sicken me as I struggled to find some peace and solace in the situation I was in. I saw the dead lying at my feet and too often felt the effects of explosions from in coming artillery rounds. I prayed continually, not only for personal protection but for strength to discourage the Captain from using such vain and obscene remarks.
The Captain held no malice towards me but rather sympathized with me as to my task and location. It was just a normal way for him to express himself. There seemed to be a small change however as weeks passed. I began to sense a more friendly tone in our conversations. One day the Captain acknowledged the lack of cursing on my part. I simply told him I didn't feel it appropriate to use the Lord's name in vain and vulgarity just seemed to degrade a person. I wondered at the time if he had taken what I said as an insult. Yet, I felt that my effort to set an example was possibly paying off. I knew the Lord was answering my daily prayer as I had turned to Him so often, seeking protection and had seen the results of so many blessings.
As our daily conversations continued, there was a noticeable decline in his use of such distasteful and senseless remarks. It eventually got to where the Captain became very careful in his choice of words. When he occasionally slipped, he was quick to apologize. My spirit soared; suddenly the war became a little more tolerable.
With the Korean conflict eventually ending, my association with the Captain also ended. As changes took place, transfers became necessary. En route to my new assignment I made a brief stop at Headquarters Company. After taking care of necessary business I sat in the jeep waiting for the driver. The Captain upon locating me, graciously and somewhat subdued, reached out and took my hand, then held it. It suddenly became difficult for both of us to contain our emotions as he expressed his gratitude for the influence I had on him. He acknowledged how foolish he had been as an office to use such language, noting that he had been taught better, earlier in life. He then took from his pocket a sterling silver CIB (combat infantryman's badge) and handed it to me. He noted that he had earned it on Normandy Beach nearly a decade earlier. Having recently been award the CIB, he said he wanted me to have his as a token of remembrance and appreciation.
The Captain held no malice towards me but rather sympathized with me as to my task and location. It was just a normal way for him to express himself. There seemed to be a small change however as weeks passed. I began to sense a more friendly tone in our conversations. One day the Captain acknowledged the lack of cursing on my part. I simply told him I didn't feel it appropriate to use the Lord's name in vain and vulgarity just seemed to degrade a person. I wondered at the time if he had taken what I said as an insult. Yet, I felt that my effort to set an example was possibly paying off. I knew the Lord was answering my daily prayer as I had turned to Him so often, seeking protection and had seen the results of so many blessings.
As our daily conversations continued, there was a noticeable decline in his use of such distasteful and senseless remarks. It eventually got to where the Captain became very careful in his choice of words. When he occasionally slipped, he was quick to apologize. My spirit soared; suddenly the war became a little more tolerable.
With the Korean conflict eventually ending, my association with the Captain also ended. As changes took place, transfers became necessary. En route to my new assignment I made a brief stop at Headquarters Company. After taking care of necessary business I sat in the jeep waiting for the driver. The Captain upon locating me, graciously and somewhat subdued, reached out and took my hand, then held it. It suddenly became difficult for both of us to contain our emotions as he expressed his gratitude for the influence I had on him. He acknowledged how foolish he had been as an office to use such language, noting that he had been taught better, earlier in life. He then took from his pocket a sterling silver CIB (combat infantryman's badge) and handed it to me. He noted that he had earned it on Normandy Beach nearly a decade earlier. Having recently been award the CIB, he said he wanted me to have his as a token of remembrance and appreciation.