Four Chaplains Day: February 3rd commemorates the day that four Army chaplains gave their lives to save others who were serving on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, which had been torpedoed by a German submarine.

Through the ensuing chaos Army chaplains Lt. George L. Fox, Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Lt. John P. Washington, and Lt. Clark V. Poling, were witnessed praying over the dying, helping the injured, and speaking courage to those around them. They distributed life jackets until no more were found, then each took off their own life jacket and gave it to the next man in line.

Survivors testified that as they watched the ship going down from nearby lifeboats, the four chaplains linked arms, braced against the slanting deck, their voices heard praying until the last.

In Memoriam

Lt. George L. Fox
Methodist

Lt. Alexander D. Goode
Jewish

Lt. Clark V. Poling
Dutch Reformed

Lt. John P. Washington
Roman Catholic

For more information visit Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation.