Hegseth Recites Pulp Fiction Quote at Pentagon Service

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recited a passage resembling a fictional Bible quote from the 1994 film Pulp Fiction during a worship service at the Pentagon on Wednesday, drawing widespread attention for its cinematic origins.

Hegseth introduced the text as a traditional prayer known as "CSAR 2517," which he said reflected Ezekiel 25:17 and had been used by A-10 aircraft crews, referred to as "Sandy" units, during combat search and rescue missions. He described it as originating from a recent operation to recover U.S. Air Force personnel shot down in Iran. "This prayer was recited by Sandy 1, to all Sandys, all those A-10 crews, prior to all CSAR missions, but especially this CSAR mission that happened in real time," Hegseth told attendees, according to accounts of the event. He then led the congregation in reciting the passage: "The path of the downed aviator is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of camaraderie and duty shepherds the lost through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and...