SNAFU!
[doggerel anonymously composed during Japanese invasion of the
Philippines in early 1942]
If you hear a muffled chortle
Then look close above the portal
There you'll see the sign immortal
SNAFU!
Operation maps galore
Spread by GIs upon the floor
Prove what Sherman said of war
SNAFU!
Couriers dash in and out
Chiefs of sections madly shout
Not a person now can doubt
SNAFU!
When in danger, fear, or doubt
When the bombs fall all about
Run in circles, scream and shout
SNAFU!
Japs have landed everywhere
And their planes control the air
We can only stand and blare
SNAFU!
Air support we sadly lack
Day by day our lines fall back
But the troops will never crack
SNAFU!
Anti-aircraft standing by
Firing way into the sky
But the Japs just fly too high
SNAFU!
Slopes of Natib are tabu
Far too steep for me and you
But the hardy Japs came through
SNAFU!
All day, and through the night
Troops would rather stand and fight
But they've seen the awful sight
SNAFU!
Warning sirens ghastly wail
Like a banshee in a gale
Turns the whole damned army pale
SNAFU!
Close the gap between the corps
But the Corps commander swore
Through that gap no Jap can pour
SNAFU!
Rations have been cut in half
Now our bread is mixed with chaff
But we still can force a laugh
SNAFU!
Hang on still another day
Help is surely on the way
So we hold the Japs at bay
SNAFU!
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