Caruso Memorial Chapel

The Caruso Memorial Chapel is a military worship space located at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The building features classical military architecture with fifteen windows and was designed as a non-denominational sanctuary for service members.

The chapel was established by the United States Marine Corps in August 1953 to honor Sergeant Mathew Caruso, who gave his life protecting his chaplain in Korea. This memorial connects the sacrifice of a single soldier to the spiritual foundation of the entire unit.

The chapel bears the name of a fallen Marine and reflects the spiritual significance that military service holds within the Marine Corps community. Its interior with fifteen windows creates a space where faith and military values come together.

The chapel is located within an active military base and requires proper authorization to visit. Advance planning and security clearance procedures are necessary before viewing this space.

The chapel underwent major renovation in 2012 with volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints working alongside Marines to improve the grounds and interior. This partnership between a religious organization and the military demonstrates how civilian and military communities support each other.

Location: San Diego

Inception: 1953

GPS coordinates: 33.37691,-117.47733

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41