A Soldier's Prayer

by George S. Patton Jr.

God of our father,
Who by land and sea has ever led us on to victory,
Please continue your inspiring guidance
In this greatest of our conflicts.

Strengthen my soul
So that the weakening instinct of self preservation,
Which besets all of us in battle,
Shall not blind me to my duty to my own manhood,
To the glory of my calling,
And to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers.

Grant to our Armed Forces
That disciplined valor and mutual confidence
Which insures success in war.

Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting,
But rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived.

If it be my lot to die,
Let me do so with courage and honor
In a manner which will bring the greatest harm to the enemy,
And please, oh Lord,
Protect and guide those I shall leave behind.

Give us victory, Lord.