The Four Chaplins' Medal - Courage of the Men of Peace
Chaplain Corps History: The Four Chaplains
January 28, 2014
WASHINGTON (Jan. 28, 2014) -- It was Feb. 3, 1943, and the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was one of three ships in a convoy, moving across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to an American base in Greenland. A converted luxury liner, the Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seamen and civilian workers.
It was only 150 miles from its destination when shortly after midnight, an officer aboard the German submarine U2 spotted it. After identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire. The hit was decisive, striking the ship, far below the water line. The initial blast killed scores of men and seriously wounded many more.
Others, stunned by the explosion were groping in the darkness. Panic and chaos quickly set in! Men were screaming, others crying or franticly trying to get lifeboats off the ship.
Through the pandemonium, four men spread out among the Soldiers, calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented toward safety. They were four Army chaplains, Lt. George Fox, a Methodist; Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish Rabbi; Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic Priest; and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister.
Quickly and quietly the four chaplains worked to bring calm to the men. As soldiers began to find their way to the deck of the ship, many were still in their underwear, where they were confronted by the cold winds blowing down from the arctic.
Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, reeling from the cold, headed back towards his cabin. "Where are you going'" a voice of calm in the sea of distressed asked' "To get my gloves," Mahoney replied. "Here, take these," said Rabbi Goode as he handed a pair of gloves to the young officer. "I can't take those gloves," Mahoney replied. "Never mind," the Rabbi responded. "I have two pairs." It was only long after that Mahoney realized that the chaplain never intended to leave the ship.
Once topside, the chaplains opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed an astonishing sight. When there were no more lifejackets in the storage room, the chaplains simultaneously removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. When giving their life jackets, Rabbi Goode did not call out for a Jew; Father Washington did not call out for a Catholic; nor did Fox or Poling call out for a Protestant. They simply gave their life jackets to the next man in line. One survivor would later call it "It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven."
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.
Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, only 230 survived. Before boarding the Dorchester back in January, Chaplain Poling had asked his father to pray for him, "Not for my safe return, that wouldn't be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty...never be a coward...and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate."
Although the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were later awarded posthumously 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.
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A special kind of courage displayed by these men.
Rare courage but alsoa dedication to the men they served and supported that is displayed by military chaplains every day in and out of combat.
Chaplains are a treasured resource of the soldier, sailor, airman and marine everywhere.
Courage, dedication, honor....
Thanks for the photo of the stamp RIO
A torpedo from a U-Boat is not considered being "under fire"? Sacrificing their lives for the purpose of saving others who were destined to die due to enemy fire is not considered sufficient for the Medal of Honour?
Extraordinary men, collectively and individually!
That was a bit confusing to me as well Buzz. I goggled the requirements and really didn't find anything that was specific. It probably out there, I just couldn't find it.
Their courage, honor and dedication to the men was extra ordinary.
Thanks Feronia, I found it to be quite inspirational. Quite a group of men.
That they were Lynne, we can always use morelike them.
Dear Friend Kavika: Heroes really.
No other way to put it.
Great article
Thanks for posting.
Enoch.
Indeed they were my friend.
Kavika
I found this web site
Excellent find RIO.
Based on this, I would say that the chaplains are qualified for the MoH.
Thanks Aeon. I'm not much for organized religion, but their courage anddedication to their fellow man was quite inspirational.
I would say so too - now what can anyone do about it?
Truly extraordinary men of faith and courage. I have never heard this story before, and I am blown away by their grace.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
They are the epitome of grace and courage Perrie.
I truly salute these men.
These men deserved their medal, and I am glad that they were honored by so many. Reading this was heart-breaking, as well as awe inspiring. These four men knew what it is all about. I know that they rest in peace-- They showed the love of God, or the Creator, in extraordinary ways.
Thank you for this article!