Honoring the Four Chaplains

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to take this opportunity to recognize the selfless and courageous sacrifice made 62 years ago by the four military chaplains on board the U.S.S. Dorchester, an American troop ship during World War II.  The example of these four chaplains is an important reminder to all Americans, especially now when another generation of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen are once again serving our great nation overseas in harm's way, of both the sorrow and heroism found in war.

On February 3, 1943, the Dorchester was torpedoed in the icy waters off the coast of Greenland.  Over 900 men were on board.  Only 230 survived.  Many of the survivors recounted the story of the heroic actions of four chaplains of different faiths:  A Jewish rabbi, Lieutenant Alexander Goode, from York, Pennsylvania, my hometown; a Catholic priest, Lieutenant John Washington; and two Protestant ministers, Lieutenants George Fox and Clark Poling. 

These four servants of God spent the 18 minutes of the Dorchester's sinking-their last 18 minutes in this life-helping their fellow human beings to safety.  When there were no more life jackets to hand out, the chaplains removed their own and gave them to four shipmates.   The four chaplains were last seen on the hull of the ship, arm-in-arm in prayer as the ship sank into the icy waters.

There is no greater example of love than the four chaplains' selfless service to and sacrifice for their fellow human beings.  A love that did not discriminate based on race or creed.  A love that required the ultimate of sacrifices. 

Our memory of and tribute to the four chaplains continues today, as important a lesson in humanity now as it was 62 years ago.