The story of the Four Chaplains Day
Early on Feb. 3, 1943, an enemy torpedo struck the Army transport Dorchester as it carried 902 officers and enlisted men, Navy armed guard, merchant seamen and civilian workers in the North Atlantic. The Coast Guard cutter escorts Comanche and Escanaba rescued 230 men.
As Dorchester took on water, four Army chaplains – Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) – calmed frightened soldiers, aided the wounded and guided the disoriented toward safety.
On deck, they opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. When there were no more available, the chaplains removed their life jackets and gave them to four young men. “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven,” said John Ladd, a survivor.
As the ship went down, men in rafts saw the four chaplains, arms linked and braced against the slanting deck, singing hymns, and praying.
Congress attempted to confer the Medal of Honor on the chaplains but was prevented by strict requirements of heroism under fire. It authorized a one-time posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, awarded by President Eisenhower in 1961; it was intended to have the same weight and importance as the Medal of Honor
How we remember them
The four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Service
The unique legacy of brotherhood non-denominational service relives the supreme sacrifice sharing the story of these heroic chaplains, Methodist, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Dutch reform. 82 years later and still being told.
Every year, American Legion posts nationwide commemorate the selfless acts of the Four Chaplains on or near Feb. 3, designated Four Chaplains Day by Congress in 1948.
Through interfaith services, memorial ceremonies and other solemn events, members of the American Legion Family Post 108 serving veterans in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel, Fl will lead their communities in honoring the chaplains and 668 other men who died when Dorchester sank. Mark your calendar for Feb. 1, 2025, 5 PM. Join as Don Hinst, American Legion Post 108 Commander, Chaplain for the 15th District State of Florida
Join at 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 or line at www.harvestercommunitychurch.com
Founded in 1951, the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia encourages and supports these observances, and recognizes selfless service to community, nation and humanity through its Legion of Honor award program.
Mark your calendar for Feb. 3, 2024, 7 PM. Join as Don Hinst, American Legion Chaplain for the 15th District of Florida along with Rus McKee
Founded in 1951, the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia encourages and supports these observances, and recognizes selfless service to community, nation, and humanity through its Legion of Honor award program.