My Military Missal Value Guide

The My Military Missal, edited by Father Stedman, served as a vital spiritual companion for Catholic American soldiers during the height of World War II. These pocket-sized leatherette books are highly collectible today as poignant artifacts of personal faith maintained on the front lines.

What affects the value of My Military Missal?

• Presence of personal inscriptions, soldier names, or unit numbers which add historical provenance.
• Overall condition of the leatherette binding, specifically looking for lack of fraying or dry rot.
• Completeness of the internal pages, including the specific Mass guides and spiritual illustrations.
• The inclusion of original inserts, such as holy cards or pressed flowers often kept by soldiers.

How to Identify My Military Missal?

• Check for the 1942 copyright date and the Confraternity of the Precious Blood imprint.
• Verify the compact, pocket-sized dimensions designed specifically for military uniform pockets.
• Look for the distinctive leatherette cover material and the specific 'My Military Missal' title embossed on the front.
• Confirm the presence of Father Stedman's name as the editor within the introductory pages.

History of My Military Missal

The 'My Military Missal' was a crucial item for Catholic soldiers serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Edited by Father Stedman, these missals provided spiritual comfort and guidance, allowing soldiers to follow Mass and maintain their faith amidst the harsh realities of war. They were designed to be durable and compact, fitting easily into a soldier's pocket, and served as a reminder of home and hope. Many soldiers carried these missals throughout their service, finding solace in their pages during challenging times.