In 1944, following his graduation from Wheaton College, Billy Graham enlisted to serve as a military chaplain. Before he was able to complete the monthlong chaplain training at Harvard University, Graham contracted mumps, which at the time required him to rest for a full month. Near the conclusion of his recovery, Billy was invited to preach for Youth For Christ—where he would have the opportunity to reach not just military members, but young adults as well. Graham wrote to the Chief of Chaplains to explain the circumstances and request an honorable discharge, which he was granted.

Though he didn’t have the chance to serve as a service member himself, throughout his ministry, Graham still felt the calling to share the hope of Jesus Christ with the troops. He spent time traveling to war-torn areas during the Korean and Vietnam Wars where he shared the Gospel with members of the U.S. military serving on the frontlines.

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In honor of Veterans Day, see footage from Billy Graham’s ministry to the military.

On this Veterans Day, as we honor those who have served our country fighting for and protecting our freedom, we are sharing excerpts from Billy Graham’s “I Saw Your Sons at War” –the diary of his visit to Korea during the height of the Korean War.

General Jenkins and his deputy, General Dewey, took us for a visit to the MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) Hospital in their immediate area. There were some Christmas decorations in the hospital, but the real decorations were the brave smiles on the faces of the men. We went from bed to bed, and talked and prayed with scores of these fellows, many who had been brought in after being wounded just that morning.

As we went from section to section, we saw men in every condition, some with minor wounds, others who were just hours from death. Emergency operations were underway constantly; blood transfusions were on every side. Here were American soldiers – unknown and unnamed to us – who had willingly paid a high price, some of the highest price, for the freedom we take so lightly. There was no holiday revelry here on Christmas Eve.

We talked to one young boy who lay face down in a canvas and aluminum rigging. The doctor whispered to me that he would never move again, he was completely paralyzed for life, only his right arm could move. I reached down for his hand and he said, “Mr. Graham, I would like to see your face.” I lay on the floor and looked up into his face, and then asked him to join me in a private word of prayer. Then he asked to see the General, so General Jenkins also got down on his back to look up and smile and give a word of encouragement to one of his men.

I turned away, trying to hold back the tears. This General considered this soldier almost as his own son. There was a bond of affection between enlisted men and officers that was wonderful to see. When men are dying for a common cause all of the usual barriers are broken down. They depend on each other and share in everything.

We walked from the bleeding, broken, dying men of that hospital into the crisp, clear air of Christmas Eve. I felt sadder, older. I felt as though I had gone in a boy and come out a man.

Learn more about Billy Graham’s ministry around the world through The Journey of Faith tour at the Billy Graham Library. Plan your visit today.