National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Eighty-four years ago today, Japanese forces attacked a Pearl Harbor, a naval installation on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, killing over 2400 Americans, and destroying many American vessels. In 1994, Congress officially designated December 7 as a day of remembrance to commemorate the courage and sacrifice demonstrated that took place by both service members and civilians alike.

Unknown to him at the time, Chaplain Howell Forgy became the central figure in one of the most widely memorable stories that would be recalled about that day. Because they had no power on the ship, sailors aboard the USS New Orleans had to form a line and manually pass ammunition from below decks to the guns above.  

As a chaplain, Forgy could not actively participate in combat, but he offered much-needed support by running up and down the line and patting the men on the back saying “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!” a phrase which became the title of one of the most popular songs to come out of the era of the war era.

Here at the Chaplains Museum, we believe the best way to commemorate this kind of service and sacrifice is through telling their stories. Visit the Museum to learn more about Forgy and other heroic U.S. military chaplains!

Image: Chaplain Howell Forgy

Image: Explosions rocking the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during the Japanese surprise air attack on December 7, 1941. Brittanica.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio. 

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