03/16/2022
“Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” — popular song and actual quote from the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Originally attributed to an unknown Sky Pilot (military Chaplain), the quote is actually from Navy Chaplain LTJG Howell M. Forgy, of the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans; he said it while encouraging his men during the Pearl Harbor attack. His shipmates, knowing it was a song about what he said, kidded him, encouraging him to set the record straight. He was reluctant to take credit, believing the event would have greater impact if it remained in the realm of legend. The truth came out later when reporters interviewed the crew. In the Chaplain’s own words:
“Well, I was stationed aboard the USS New Orleans, and we were tied up at 1010 dock in Pearl Harbor when we were attacked again. We were having a turbine lifted, and all of our electrical power wasn't on, and so when we went to lift the ammunition by the hoist, we had to form lines of men — form a bucket brigade — and we began to carry the ammunition up through the quarterdeck into the gurneys, and I stood there and directed some of the boys down the port side and some down the starboard side, and as they were getting a little tired, I just happened to say, "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." That's all there was to it.”
Under attack, their ship with no power, man hoisting heavy ammunition to return fire, as bombs fell and machine gun fire raked the ship: “That’s all there was too it” — an incredibly modest response from a man who showed incredible bravery. Chaplin Forgy’s cool response under fire was an inspiration to his men, saved lives, and helped save his ship — and became a popular song.
See a link to the song in the comments.
