I like Patton's war prayer more. His actually achieved results, as the weather cleared the following day and he was able to relieve the besieged 101st airborne troops at Bastogne (netting the Chaplain who wrote it, a nice medal for his "connections" with the almighty):
"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations.
To each officer and soldier in the Third United States Army, I Wish a Merry Christmas. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We march in our might to complete victory. May God's blessings rest upon each of you on this Christmas Day."
-G.S. Patton, Jr, Lieutenant General, Commanding, Third United States Army. |
