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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

THE FOUR CHAPLAINS

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.