{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-era-may-this-keep-you-from-harm-new-testament-heart-shield-breast-pocket-bible-1","title":"Original U.S. WWII Era “May This Keep You From Harm” New Testament Heart-Shield Breast Pocket Bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Now this is a lovely example of an item that is growing increasingly difficult to come across, the Heart-Shield bible. John Phillips, an American soldier, received a government-issue pocket Bible before he shipped off to Europe during World War II. On patrol, trudging through knee-deep snow during the Ardennes Offensive and the Battle of the Bulge, Phillips and his squad found themselves in the middle of an ambush. In a burst of gunfire he was shot five times. While laying in the snow he instinctively reached for his heart. What he found was his Bible — with a bullet lodged in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhillips survived, most likely due to the Bible shielding his heart. Many American soldiers were issued Bibles. Some came with a metal cover like this one, often engraved with positive reminders and in this case it reads as “\u003cstrong\u003eMay This Keep You From Harm\u003c\/strong\u003e”. Because they were often carried in shirt pockets, they are known as “Heart Shield Bibles.” Inside the front cover of these Bibles was a note from President Franklin Roosevelt, but is not present in this one. For historical reference, the message read as “As Commander-in-Chief I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible … Throughout the centuries men of many faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heart Shield Bibles were a durable edition made for the battlefield, and was the source of encouragement for many GIs. Even the metal-covered editions were unlikely to stop a bullet. But in an extraordinary case, like that of John Philips, this Bible made the difference between life and death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in wonderful condition and does show evidence of having been carried but not abused. The bible measures approximately 4 ½” x 3” and is offered in wonderful condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes more than ready for display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42070623780933,"sku":"ONJR24MG495","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24MG495__01.jpg?v=1728620432","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-era-may-this-keep-you-from-harm-new-testament-heart-shield-breast-pocket-bible-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}