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I wrote the following in 1995, and decided to post it because I've been told that yesterday was the anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester taking with it the Four Chaplains, and the Boy Scouts have been getting some attention lately. If I have posted incorrectly, I apologize. I'm not very tech savvy: I wrote the following about my father, and his ideals, two years ago. I am up-dating, because Monday, April 3, 1995,at 11:50 PM, my father's soul was taken into the arms of the Lord. He wore size 6 ½ shoes, but he left giant footprints....

The true story of four World War II U.S. Army chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice so others could live.

February 3rd is remembered in honor of The Four Chaplains. On February 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed while transporting approxomately 900 men across the Atlantic. The Four Chaplains - Methodist Reverend George L. Fox, Reform-Rabbi Dr. Alexander D. Goode, Father John P. Washington and Reformed Church Reverend Clark V. Poling - helped organize the evacuation of the ship, then gave up their life vests when the crew ran out of vests for the men. They were reportedly seen praying, arm in arm, as the ship went down. 230 men were eventually rescued from the frigid water that night.

A reader alerted me to this item in the Huffington Post, recalling the so-called “Immortal Chaplains” who went down with the USAT Dorchester in 1943. As Wikipedia notes: The “Immortal Chaplains” were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel during the sinking of the troop ship USAT Dorchester during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.The four men were relatively new...

“Four Chaplains Day” is to be observed annually on February 3 in America by the unanimous resolution of the U.S. Congress in 1988. It is a day to remember February 3, 1943, one of the most remarkable and inspiring acts of heroism in the history of warfare took place in World War II. It is a day to honor the heroism of the Four Chaplains, who selflessly gave their lives “that others may live.”However, although veterans in The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other veterans organizations, will hold special observances on Four Chaplains Day, most American media,...

Here is video of GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann commemorating "The Four Chaplains" who gave their lives 67 years ago yesterday, February 3, 1943. They were serving on the U.S. Transport Ship Dorchester when it was hit by a Nazi torpedo. The Four Chaplains died because the gave up their own lifevests and gave them to young soldiers so they could live. It is said the Four Chaplains were seen linking arms and praying together as they went down with the ship. Here is video of singer Wintley Phipps singing their story in the song, "Four Chaplains on the Sea of...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. Welcome to "Warrior Wednesday" Where the Freeper Foxhole introduces a different...