This was said during the Japanese attack on pearl harbour on the December 7th 1941. That fateful morning the heavy cruiser classU. S. S. New Orleans (c a 32) was moored at berth 16 in pearl harbour navy yard, undergoing major engine repairs, as the ship had no board power available during these works. Temporary lighting and power was provided by the dock sources. During the defensive action in fending off the Japanese attack. All electric power was lost on the New Orleans, causing the ammunition hoists to stop operating.
The ship chaplain Howell m Forgy (1908-1983) was near the 5in AA guns when he saw a chain of sailors bringing shells up from the ammo magazine to feed the guns on the deck.
As he watched the exhausted men working frantically to retrieve the ammunition, he walked over and slapped their backs. Shouting PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE AMMUNITION.
The holy exhortation passed into legend and soon became the subject of a popular wartime pop song of the same name. Sung by Kay Keyser and her band.
