Frank Loesser's "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition" stands as a poignant and powerful tribute to the true spirit of the American people during one of the darkest chapters in history – the aftermath of the unprecedented attack on Pearl Harbor. Originally published in 1942 this patriotic song became an emblem of courage and determination in the face of war.
The song's origins are rooted in the events aboard the USS New Orleans during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The real hero behind the iconic phrase "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition" was Chaplain LTJG Howell M. Forgy, who, instead of merely offering words of solace, inspired his comrades by actively participating in the defense of the ship.
Despite the initial skepticism from its composer, Frank Loesser, about Americans' appetite for a true war song, this track defied expectations. The song quickly climbed Variety's best seller list, selling over 450,000 copies in just two months. Its popularity was further boosted by Robert Rounseville, the singer who introduced the song to a wide audience.
The historical significance of the song is underscored by its association with a critical period in American history. Loesser's decision to donate his royalties for the song to the Navy Relief Society adds an extra layer of patriotism to its legacy.
Over the years, the song has been revisited and referenced in various forms of media, from films like "The Incident" to video games like BioShock 2 and Fallout 76. Its endurance in popular culture speaks to the universal appeal of its message – a call to stand firm in the face of adversity and persevere.
