Palmyra American Legion Post 174 to observe ‘Four Chaplains Day’ on Sunday

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra American Legion Post 174 will conduct the annual observance of ‘Four Chaplains Day’ at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 at Palmyra First Christian Church, 202 E. Olive.

Saturday will mark the 81st anniversary of the sinking of the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester and the selfless acts of four Army chaplains aboard.

The Dorchester tragically sunk on Feb. 3, 1943, while crossing the North Atlantic, transporting troops to an American base in Greenland. A German U-boat fired a torpedo that struck the Dorchester, killing 672 of the 902 officers and enlisted men, merchant seamen and civilian workers aboard. Many of those survivors owe their lives to 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.

American Legion posts nationwide remember Four Chaplains Day with memorial services that pay tribute to the chaplains and young men who lost their lives on that fateful night.

Additional info: https://www.military.com/history/honoring-the-four-chaplains.html