This week in Christian history: Baylor charted, 'Four Chaplains' tragedy

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 30, 2022

The 'Four Chaplains' sinking – Feb. 3, 1943

A stained glass window honoring four Army chaplains who died on Feb. 3, 1943, with the sinking of the U.S.S. Dorchester. They include Lt. George Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander Goode (Jewish), Lt. John Washington (Catholic), and Lt. Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed). | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when a German submarine sank the United States Army Transport Dorchester during World War II, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, including four chaplains who would be remembered for their self-sacrifice.

On board the ship were four Army chaplains: Methodist Lt. George Fox, Jewish Rabbi Lt. Alexander Goode, Catholic priest Lt. John Washington, and Dutch Reformed Lt. Clark Poling.

The four were widely praised and honored by the Pentagon and others for their efforts to rescue those on the sinking sink, going as far as to give their life vests to others.

“As the ship went down, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains — arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. Their voices could also be heard offering prayers and singing hymns,” wrote John Brinsfield in a 2014 piece.

“Congress wished to confer the Medal of Honor but was blocked by the stringent requirements which required heroism performed under fire. So a posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, The Four Chaplains' Medal, was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President on January 18, 1961. It was never given before and will never be given again.”