Senior United States Army officer (1912-2005) who designed the U.S. Army's parachutist badge, paratrooper or 'jump' boots, and the airborne jump uniform. He is known as the ‘Father of the Modern Green Berets.’ Uncommon print of the “Special Forces Prayer,” one page, 8 x 10.5, signed at the conclusion in blue felt tip by William P. Yarborough. The prayer, in part: “Almighty God, Who art the Author of liberty and the Champion of the oppressed, hear our prayer. We, the men of the Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom. Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved.” Framed and in fine condition.
In January 1961, Yarborough was appointed commander/commandant of the US Army Special Warfare Center/School for Special Warfare at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his tenure, he arranged for President Kennedy to visit Fort Bragg, with the results proving twofold: he acquired funding to further develop the Special Forces into a strategic unit within the US Army, and he was granted authorization of the Green Beret for wear as the official headgear of Special Forces.
