The Kwajalein Island Memorial Chapel was originally constructed through a joint effort of personnel of all faiths from all the branches of the armed forces on Kwajalein in 1944.  First Lieutenant Daniel Warner of the 893rd Aviation Engineers, proposed the wooden design to be built using materials salvaged from construction projects throughout the island.  The final design and location were approved by General Ogden J. Ross, Commanding Officer of Kwajalein.  Construction began on December 11, 1944, and with some additional funding and materials provided in January 1945, the chapel was completed and dedicated on February 11, 1945.  Still in existence today, the original mahogany tablet dedicating the chapel to the memory of those who gave their lives in the capture of Kwajalein has been retained.  Since its construction, the Island Memorial Chapel has been a focal point of the Kwajalein community, and has undergone several renovations with care taken to ensure the integrity of the original design.  During their return to Kwajalein in 1994, members of VMB-613 participated in the dedication ceremony of a stained glass window that was installed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assault on Kwajalein Atoll. 

Photograph: Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries.  Contact:  speccol@lib.uh.edu