Four Chaplains Sunday
Photo credit: Public Domain
As our world struggles to find balance, it seems we have lost sight of what true heroism is. We put rock and movie stars, athletes, and a wide assortment of others onto pedestals, touting them as "heroes." We have forgotten, in the incessant search for fame and fortune, what a hero truly is.
Hero, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary is, "A person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." The word originates from the Greek, heros - a demi-god, protector.
Lest we forget, this is the story of true heroes...
On February 2, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was crossing the frigid waters between Newfoundland and Greenland. The Army transport was overcrowded with 900 men on their way to the US base in Greenland, when a German sub was spotted on radar. One hundred and fifty miles from shore, in the early hours of February 3, the Dorchester was torpedoed. In less than 20 minutes, it would sink into the icy Atlantic waters. In those 20 minutes, heroes emerged.
The ship had onboard four chaplains: Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed. These four men would soon face the ultimate test of faith, courage and humanity.
After the explosion of the torpedoes tore into the ship, the chaplains, witnessing the panic of the young men on board, set about bringing calm for an orderly evacuation of the ship. They handed out lifejackets to the soldiers and sailors, but as the last four, frightened, young men stood shivering with cold and fear, the chaplains suddenly realized there were not enough lifejackets. Without hesitation, they each gave their lifejacket to one of the young men.
Witnesses also reported other acts of selflessness. Rabbi Goode gave his gloves to a young sailor who had none, telling the sailor he had another pair. With many wounded and dying, the chaplains called out words of encouragement to the men. They prayed over others, offering what comfort they could in those last minutes.
As the ship sank, survivors in rafts and lifeboats could see the four chaplains, arms linked together praying. Their selfless acts of courage were not directed to only the men from their particular faith path, but for all the men, regardless of their spiritual affiliation.
Two hundred and thirty soldiers and sailors survived that night. They would long remember the heroism of the four chaplains.
The families of these extraordinary men received the posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. Then, in 1961, President Eisenhower conferred (posthumously) the Special Medal of Heroism on the four chaplains.
Today, seventy-five years later, we remember the four chaplains, their brave and selfless acts and all who went down with the Dorchester. May their acts serve always and forever as a beacon of Light and Hope. May we always remember what true heroism is, striving to follow in its footsteps.
Blessings and gratitude to all who serve.
Further reading:
Comments