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This is an original 1940 Augsburg Publishing House Service Prayer Book, issued to U.S. military personnel during World War II. This pocket‑sized edition was carried by my grandfather during his service aboard the USS Maryland (BB‑46) from 1938–1947, including during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
He survived the attack. His anti‑aircraft crew helped defend the ship, contributing to the downing of incoming torpedo planes as the Maryland sustained minor damage during the infamous raid. This prayer book was with him throughout his wartime service.
The book is in exceptional condition for its age — the red cover is clean, the pages are crisp, and there is no writing, no tears, and no damage. It includes the original Identification Card page (blank) and the distribution notice from the National Lutheran Council, Division of Service to Military Personnel.
This edition, compiled by N. M. Ylvisaker, Major Chaplain, includes Bible readings, hymns, and orders of worship specifically prepared for members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Corps, and Canadian Armed Forces.
A rare and meaningful piece of WWII and Pearl Harbor history — especially with direct, documented provenance to a sailor who served aboard a battleship present during the attack.
ITEM DETAILS
Title: Service Prayer Book
Publisher: Augsburg Publishing House
Copyright: 1940
Pages: 225 (standard edition)
Size: Pocket size (approx. 3.35" × 4.72")
Condition: Excellent; no writing; clean pages; tight binding
Provenance: Carried by USS Maryland (BB‑46) sailor who survived Pearl Harbor. Oscar E. Wiles, my grandfather (deceased) served aboard the USS Maryland (BB-46) during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. His anti-aircraft crew helped shoot down enemy torpedo planes as the battleship took minor damage during the infamous raid. I will send documentation that shows he served on the USS Maryland if requested (it is a prayer request from when he died.)
Distribution: National Lutheran Council, Division of Service to Military Personnel
Features: Identification card page (blank), wartime devotional content
Era: WWII (1940–1945)
Country of Issue: United vintage condition. No writing, no tears, no loose pages. Cover is bright and clean. Binding tight. A remarkably preserved WWII service book.
