The four Chaplains remembered

[Old Scout]

Chaplains George L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed), and Father John P. Washington (Catholic), are credited with saving more than 200 lives when they gave up their life jackets and their lives when the United States Army Transport (USAT) Dorchester was sunk by a German submarine on Feb. 3, 1943 only 15 miles from its destination in Greenland. The four calmly issued life-belts to American servicemen aboard the troop transport after it was torpedoed.

When the supply of life preservers was exhausted, the four chaplains removed their own life belts and gave them to four soldiers. They then stood on the sinking ship, arms around one another's shoulders and their heads bowed in prayer.

On Saturday February 1st, Bronsted Searl Post 93, American Legion held a ceremony in remembrance of these four brave Chaplains who were willing to sacrifice their lives so that others may live. Deacon Cliff Eggett provided the Homily.

A bell was rung once for each Chaplain. Post Commander Dave Hubatch read a short history of each Chaplain and a candle was lit in their honor.

At the end of the ceremony Taps was played as those in attendance rendered a salute to honor those who had died on that cold dark night while serving their country.

[kmartell]

What a neat story. True heroes!!

There's got to be a special place in heaven for people like that who give up their own lives so others might live.

I wish that I would have one zillionth that amount of courage if the time ever came.

[Floyd Alvin]

WOW! What an incredible story!

If you want to read more about this, here is the link to the Wikipedia page on it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Chaplains

[Deb Richardson]

~goose bumps, stinging eyes~ Thanks for sharing Scout! Yes, true heroes!

[Old Scout]

If you would like to read the entire story of the four Chaplains, here is a link to a web site dedicated to them.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/brotherhood/chaplains.html