On February 3, 1943, the Army transport Dorchester was hit by an enemy torpedo in the North Atlantic, carrying 902 people. Coast Guard cutters Comanche and Escanaba saved 230 lives. Four brave Army chaplains - Lt. George L. Fox, Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Lt. John P. Washington, and Lt. Clark V. Poling - comforted, aided, and gave away their life jackets to others as the ship sank. Their selfless act of heroism earned them a special posthumous Medal for Heroism in 1961, equivalent to the Medal of Honor.
Since 1988, February 3 has been known as Four Chaplains Day in memory of Lt. Fox, Lt. Goode, Lt. Washington, and Lt. Poling’s sacrifice.
*Courtesy graphic