A little something from the American Legion

[tubman13]

The story of the Four Chaplains brings a tear to the eye and a sense of hope to the heart.

In the early morning of Feb. 3, 1943, a torpedo struck the USAT Dorchester in the Atlantic Ocean, just 150 miles from its destination. Panic and chaos quickly replaced the calm and quiet aboard Dorchester. The blast killed scores of men, while many more were seriously wounded.

It would only take 20 minutes for the Dorchester to sink into the ocean. But what occurred in those 20 minutes is something we still revere today.

I marvel at the selfless act of courage during the sinking by Rev. George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Rev. Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic). Each man demonstrated service before self in a time of crisis. The chaplains calmed the crewmen, comforted the injured, directed others to safety and distributed life jackets. When there were no more life jackets, the four chaplains removed theirs and gave them to four crewmen.

Pvt. William Bednar recalled floating in oil-laden water surrounded by dead bodies and debris. “I could hear men crying, pleading, praying,” Bednar said. “I could also hear the chaplains preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.”

As the Dorchester disappeared under the waves, the Four Chaplains stood praying arm-in-arm.

Feb. 3 will mark 72 years since the sinking and the display of bravery. The American Legion encourages post, district and department chaplains to commemorate the anniversary on the first Sunday in February, Four Chaplains Sunday.

In these ceremonies, we honor the Four Chaplains and ensure their legacy of brotherhood and selfless service. May they be remembered for generations to come.

[quincannon]

There was a painting done to commemorate that event, and a copy of it hung in my Dad's church (Dutch Reformed)annex in DC.

There was a similar incident where Chaplain Rentz of USS Houston gave his like jacket to a wounded sailor in the water and swam off never to be seen again, as Houston sank. USS Rentz honors his memory.

Rentz was put in for the Medal of Honor, but at the time it was denied, as the action had not taken place while in direct contact with the enemy.

I think it is time that both incidents be revisited.