Commander Joshua L. Goldberg, First Jewish Chaplain to Join Navy, Receives Commendation

An official commendation has been awarded Commander Joshua L. Goldberg, Liaison Officer for the Chaplain’s Division of the Bureau of Naval Personnel, by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, it was announced here today. The citation reads as follows:

“For outstanding performance of duty as Assistant District Chaplain in the Third Naval District, New York, New York, from January 21, 1942, to December 12, 1945. As the first Jewish chaplain to volunteer his services to the United States Navy at the beginning of World War II, Commander Goldberg established a high standard of religious ministry and by his unusual abilities, complete devotion to duty and his faithfulness to the traditions of the Navy, contributed to the good will and cooperative fellowship among those who provided religious ministry to service personnel.

“In his additional capacity as Liaison Officer for the Chaplain’s Division of the Bureau of Naval Personnel, he acted as consultant and advisor on all matters pertaining to the work and service of the Jewish Chaplains and instituted several religious programs recognized for their effectiveness and recommended for all Naval Districts. His readiness to be of aid to all chaplains throughout the Navy, coupled with his efficient procurement and distribution of religious supplies to all groups, contributed directly to the morale and the spiritual welfare of naval personnel and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”