Gerald Ferrari was a bomber pilot with the US Army Air Forces in Italy in World War II. Though we always knew he loved to fly, he didn’t speak much about his wartime years. We found the letters he wrote during the war on November 10, 2002, the day he passed away from lung cancer at 78.

Here is the prayer he said before a mission (called Memorare):

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.

“Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Work Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”