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The Four Chaplains Interfaith Brunch
February 4, 2024
Staten Island, NY
The Four Chaplains Interfaith Brunch
February 12, 2022
Staten Island, New York
County Commander Dennis McLoone
County Vice Commander Joseph Occhipinti
American Legion of Richmond County host
The 72nd Annual Four Chaplain Interfaith Breakfast
February8, 2015
A Story of Four Chaplains
On Feb. 3, 1943, the United States Army Transport Dorchester – a converted luxury liner – was crossing the North Atlantic, transporting more than 900 troops to an American base in Greenland. Aboard the ship were four chaplains of different faiths: Reverend George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic).
Around 12:55 a.m., a German U-boat fired a torpedo that struck Dorchester’s starboard side, below the water line and near the engine room. The explosion instantly killed 100 men and knocked out power and radio communication with Dorchester’s three escort ships. Within 20 minutes, the transport sank and more than 670 men died.
As soldiers rushed to lifeboats, the four chaplains spread out, comforting the wounded and directing others to safety. One survivor, Private William Bednar, later said, “I could hear men crying, pleading, praying. I could also hear the chaplains’ preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.