American Legion posts conducting such events encouraged to share their stories and photos on Legiontown.
On Feb. 3, 1943, the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was hit by a German U-boat torpedo as it was transporting troops in the North Atlantic to an American base in Greenland. The ship sank, killing 672 of the 902 officers and enlisted men, merchant seamen and civilian workers aboard. But for those who survived, they were left with the memory of the courage and leadership exhibited by four chaplains of different faiths, who, in sacrificing their lives, created a unique legacy of brotherhood.
As soldiers rushed to lifeboats, Rev. George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Rev. Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic) comforted the wounded and directed others to safety. One survivor watched the chaplains distribute life jackets, and when they ran out, they removed theirs and gave them to four young men. As the Dorchester sank, the chaplains were seen linked arm in arm, praying.
On or about Feb. 3 each year, American Legion posts nationwide commemorate the selfless acts of the Four Chaplains on that year’s designated Four Chaplains Day; this year, Four Chaplains Sunday is Feb. 4. Posts wanting to conduct a Four Chaplains service can use our Four Chaplains Sunday guide, which is free and available to download.
Those posts doing so are encouraged to reach out to local newspapers, radio and TV stations, and social media to increase interest and possible media coverage, as well as share their story and photos from the service at www.legiontown.org.
- Dispatch