During World War II, in the early part of 1944, an
experience involving the priesthood took place as
United States marines were taking Kwajalein Atoll, part
of the Marshall Islands and located in the Pacific Ocean
about midway between Australia and Hawaii.
What took place in this regard was related by a
correspondent--not a member of the Church--who worked for a
newspaper in Hawaii.
In the 1944 newspaper article he wrote following the
experience, he explained that he and other correspondents
were in the second wave behind the marines
at Kwajalein Atoll.
As they advanced, they noticed a young marine floating face
down in the water, obviously badly wounded.
The shallow water around him was red with his blood.
And then they noticed another marine moving toward his
wounded comrade.
The second marine was also wounded, with his left arm
hanging helplessly by his side.
He lifted up the head of the one who was floating in the
water in order to keep him from drowning.
In a panicky voice he called for help.
The correspondents looked again at the boy he was
supporting and called back, "Son, there's nothing anyone
can do for this boy." "Then," wrote the correspondent, "I
saw something that I'd never seen before."
This boy, badly wounded himself, made his way to the
shore with the seemingly lifeless body
of his fellow marine.
He "put the head of his companion on his knee. ...
What a picture that was--these two mortally wounded
boys--both ...
clean, wonderful-looking young men, even in
their distressing situation.
And the one boy bowed his head over the other and said, 'I
command you, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of
the priesthood, to remain alive until I can get medical
help." (Close quote.) The correspondent concluded his
article (and I quote): "The three of us [the
two marines and I]
are here in the hospital.
The doctors don't know [how they made it alive], but I
know."
Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood is
understood, its power is honored and used properly, and
faith is exerted.
When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service
eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to
pass His purposes.