The Scariest Soldier of WWII

The Scariest Soldier of WWII

Who is this pagan Philistine, anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God? – 1 Samuel 17:26

1 Samuel 17:25-50

The Israelites spoke of the giant, Goliath, who came daily to defy Israel. David, outraged that this Philistine was allowed to insult the armies of the living God, questioned why no one had confronted him. His words reached King Saul, who summoned David. David volunteered to fight Goliath, but Saul doubted him, pointing out David’s youth and inexperience compared to Goliath’s lifelong training as a warrior.

David, however, recounted how God had delivered him from lions and bears while protecting his sheep, declaring that the same God would rescue him from Goliath. Saul reluctantly agreed and sent him with a blessing.

David prepared for battle by selecting five smooth stones and armed himself only with his sling and shepherd’s staff. As Goliath approached, David boldly declared that while Goliath came with weapons, he came in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He proclaimed that God would conquer Goliath, and through this victory, the world would know there is a God in Israel. David also declared that the Lord does not save by sword or spear, for the battle belongs to Him.

With just a sling and a stone, David struck Goliath, defeating him without a sword, and triumphed through the power of God.

A One-Man Army

Francis Sherman Currey was not just a soldier; he was a legend born in the fires of war. At only 19 years old, he became a one-man army during the frozen chaos of the Battle of the Bulge. His actions on the battlefield were so daring, so relentless, that they earned him the Medal of Honor.

Currey’s actions were not just acts of bravery; they were acts of defiance. He stood alone against overwhelming odds, using his ingenuity and sheer willpower to change the course of the battle. His ability to adapt, his fearlessness in the face of death, and his relentless assault struck fear into even the elite German Waffen-SS. Currey’s story is one of unyielding courage, resourcefulness, and a refusal to back down, even when the odds seemed impossible.

The Battle that Defined Him

The defining moment of Currey’s wartime career came on December 21, 1944, near Malmedy, Belgium. His unit, part of the 3rd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, was under siege by a fierce German assault. The Waffen-SS, known for their brutality and battlefield prowess, launched a powerful attack with tanks and infantry, determined to break through Allied lines.

As German tanks rolled into the town, Currey sprang into action. Currey and his comrades were surrounded, outnumbered, and outgunned. For most, this would have been a moment of despair. For Currey, it was a call to action. Armed with a bazooka, a rifle, and unwavering resolve, he single-handedly fought back against the advancing enemy.

Psychological Warfare

Currey’s actions during the battle were truly remarkable. He did not fight like a typical soldier; instead, he charged at tanks and fired weapons from close range. His quick and decisive movements, switching from weapon to weapon and changing positions rapidly, made the Germans believe they were facing more than one soldier. His unpredictability disrupted their tactics, while his sheer determination shattered their confidence.

Currey’s aggressive approach and refusal to retreat unnerved even the seasoned SS troops, creating the illusion of a larger force and sowing chaos among their ranks. To the Germans, Currey was not just a soldier; he was like a ghost, an unstoppable force of nature. His bravery and ingenuity ultimately turned the tide of the fight.

Francis Sherman Currey didn’t just survive the impossible; he made the enemy believe that a single man could outmatch them. His story is one of unwavering courage, ingenuity, and selfless devotion. He showed that true strength does not stem from numbers or weapons, but from the heart of a warrior who refuses to give up.

Legacy of a Warrior

Currey’s legacy radiates through the ages, igniting a spark of inspiration for generations to come. He faced daunting adversities that would have silenced many, yet like a modern-day David confronting a formidable giant, he stood resolutely alone against insurmountable odds. With unyielding determination, he emerged triumphant, etching a story into the annals of history that serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to fight for what is right.

A Biblical Comparison

Currey’s stand against the German war machine is similar to the biblical story of David and Goliath. Like Currey, David faced an impossible foe. Goliath was a true giant, standing 9 feet 9 inches tall (six cubits and a span). His spear was enormous, thick, and heavy, akin to a weaver’s beam. The spear’s head weighed about 15 pounds (600 shekels) (1 Samuel 17:4-7). Only someone of Goliath’s extraordinary size and strength could wield it.

REFLECT & PRAY

David’s triumphant victory over Goliath was not just about physical skill; it also served as a profound testament to the power of faith and unwavering resolve against overwhelming odds.

Father, grant me the faith and confidence of David that comes from knowing You in a personal way. Enable me to dare to be a David.

INSIGHT

A Heart That Refused to Yield

David’s great faith and firm resolve showed a heart that refused to give up. His actions went beyond just defeating a giant foe; they sparked hope and resilience among those who witnessed his courage, reminding them that even in moments of despair, victory is always within reach. David embodied true strength, not in the size of his army or his weapons, but in the might of the God of Israel, whose reputation was being tarnished by Goliath’s mockery.

Shattering Fear and Inspiring Victory

Goliath’s immense stature and formidable weaponry underscored the seemingly impossible odds David faced. It was not size or strength that determined the outcome; rather, it was David’s unwavering faith in God that became his greatest weapon and ultimate advantage.

With the precise fling of his sling, David broke through the heavy shadow of fear, lighting a way to victory and showing that courage, grounded in faith, can conquer even the most insurmountable challenges.

David’s Triumph: A Testament to Faith

David faced a challenge so great that even the bravest warriors of Israel trembled in fear. No one dared to step forward. But David, armed not with a sword or shield, but with unshakable faith, saw things differently.

David didn’t see Goliath as an unbeatable foe. He saw him as a challenge that God could overcome. “The Lord who rescued me from the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine,” David declared with confidence. While others focused on the giant’s size and strength, David focused on the power of his God.

The battle is the Lord’s

With nothing but a sling, five smooth stones, and his trust in the Lord, David stepped onto the battlefield. Goliath laughed at him, but David stood firm. “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,” he proclaimed. With one stone and one swing, David struck Goliath down.

Faith Can Conquer Even the Greatest of Giants

David’s story reminds us that no matter how impossible a situation may seem, faith in the living God can turn the tide. When we trust Him, we don’t face our battles alone. Like David, we can stand confidently, knowing that the same God who delivered him can deliver us too. Whatever “Goliath” you face today, step forward in faith, God is with you, and victory is already His.

David’s remarkable courage, marked by faith and resilience, continues to resonate, reminding us all of the significant impact one individual can make in the world when they put their trust and confidence in the living God.

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© Dr. H 2025