Feb 3: The USAT Dorchester troop transport is torpedoed by a German U–Boat. As the naval vessel sank, the four chaplains on–board calmed the frightened sailors and soldiers, aided the boat’s evacuation, and helped guide the wounded to relative safety. All four also gave up their life jackets.
By a survivor –
“As I swam away from the ship, I looked back.
The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.”
– Grady Clark, survivor
The four chaplains, all of whom held the rank of lieutenant, were–
Reverend George L. Fox, Methodist
Rabbi Alexander D. Goode
Rev. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic
Rev, Clark V. Poling, Reformed Church in America
Only 230 of the original 904 men aboard the ship survived, many killed by hypothermia in the water (the water temperature being approximately 32 degrees F., and the air temperature being about 36 degrees F.)
On Dec 19, 1944 all four chaplains were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. Many other posthumous awards and tributes followed.