General George S. Patton was a study in contradictions, a man whose knowledge, skills and principles made him one of the best combat leaders in American History, while nearly causing him ignoble defeat in that same arena. There are mostly just two opinions expressed about Patton - either he is dismissed as a knuckle-dragging troglodyte or hailed as a brilliant war leader.

One of the contradictions pits his bawdy language against his faith. Patton was asked once if he read the bible.

His response, "Every Goddamned Day."

Here is more of General Patton's faith on display, in a prayer he wrote for the safety of his soldiers and victory for his cause:

"God of our Fathers, who by land and by sea ever led us to victory, please continue your inspiring guidance in this the greatest of our conflicts. Strengthen my soul so that the weakest instinct of self-preservation, which besets all of us in battle, shall not bind 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 morn for those 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 the victory, Lord."