Page 34 - Montana Freemason Magazine November 2013

Montana Freemason November 2013 Volume 89 Number 5

A Story Worth Sharing

We were inspired to share this story, which we
heard recently.

Toward the end of a poetry luncheon, where PRAYER OF AN UNKNOWN
attendees were sharing some of their favorite poems, CONFEDERATE SOLDIER
a man named Taylor Stockdale took his turn. He I asked for strength that I might achieve; I was made
is the son of Vice Admiral James Stockdale USN weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
(Ret.). Admiral Stockdale was shot down over North I asked for health that I might do greater things; I
Vietnam on 9 September 1965, and was captured was given infirmity that I might do better things.
and held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 12 I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was
February 1973. During 7¼ years in captivity, he was given poverty that I might be wise.
tortured, beaten and held under unimaginably brutal I asked for power that I might have the praise of
conditions as the highest ranking naval officer in the men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need
“Hanoi Hilton”. He was kept in solitary confinement, of God.
in total darkness, for four years, chained in heavy, I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was
abrasive leg irons for two years, denied medical given life that I might enjoy all things.
treatment for the leg he broke when he landed after I got nothing that I asked for but everything that
ejecting when shot down. Through it all, Stockdale’s I had hoped for.
captors held out the promise of better treatment if he Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were
would only admit that the United States was engaging answered; I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
in criminal behavior against the Vietnamese people;
but Stockdale refused.

Drawing strength from principles of stoic
philosophy, he heroically resisted. His courage was
an inspiration to his fellow POWs, with whom he
communicated in an ingenious code, maintaining
unit cohesion and morale. Upon his release in 1973,
Stockdale’s extraordinary heroism became widely
known, and he received the Medal of Honor.

Taylor Stockdale said that when asked what one
thing helped him tolerate his captivity, his father said,
“Poetry.” Taylor then recited a poem his father taught
him. The poem, “Prayer of an Unknown Confederate
Soldier,” was found on the body of a Confederate
soldier after the battle at Fort Sumter.

Reprinted from: Crossroads of the Corps, the Magazine
of the Marines’ Memorial Association, Fall 2013 ·
Volume 79 No. 3

VADM James Stockdale sees his wife and three sons
for the first time in nearly eight years.

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