One of University of Portland’s legacy stories of faith and character begins with a letter written 80 years ago by Corporal Charles Edward (Eddie) McChrystal, ’43 on November 12, 1944 while sitting on a hillside in Italy during World War II. The letter, meant for Corporal McChrystal’s parents, went first to his parish priest in Utah with instructions to deliver it to his parents in the event of his death.
In the early months of 1943, McChrystal and many of his UP classmates were called up for service in World War II as members of the Army Enlisted Reserves Corps (E.R.C.). Because a large contingent received instructions to report for Ft. Lewis, Washington on March 15, 1943, the UP community and families of the enlisted were able to organize a send-off at the train depot in Portland — complete with speeches, choir and school band. Any senior in that group — including McChrystal who was the class valedictorian — would, of course, not return to complete the year at college.
Who was Eddie McChrystal, 1943 Valedictorian? He arrived on the Bluff in 1939 from his native Utah. A student focused on academics and faith as evidenced by his memberships in the Philosophy Club (officer) and Honor Society; and Sanctuary Knights (service group, Mass server, officer) and Holy Name Society (respect and reverence of the Holy Name). Eddie was also a member of the Boarders’ Club (for students who resided on campus) and choir. McChrystal valued a “Catholic college education” and recalled his years at UP were “happy ones”. He believed his UP education helped “provide a fuller view of life and instill an appreciation for the good and noble.” McChrystal’s enlistment in the E.R.C. was his way of “doing his part” for the War effort.
After receiving training stateside, Corporal McChrystal served with an infantry division in Europe. He was killed in France on Christmas Day 1944 — six weeks after sending the letter — while on a special mission for the intelligence department. His parish priest delivered Eddie’s letter to his parents. The letter was later published in A Point of Pride: The University of Portland Story.
The Praying Hands Memorial on the east quad remembers the students and alumni who were injured or lost their lives in World War II. The class gift of the 1948 seniors. Charles (Eddie) McChrystal’s in one of the sixty-nine names etched in the bricks commemorating the war dead.
Related articles:
Call to Service, The Beacon, January 8, 1943, p. 1
Call to Service, The Beacon, January 8, 1943, p 4
Veteran’s Day Ceremony: The Beacon, November 14, 2013
Reservists’ Send-Off, PortLog, March 2014
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