Capitol Hill in Albany in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Four Immortal Chaplains
George L. Fox, Methodist minister
Alexander D. Goode, Jewish Rabbi
Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed Minister
John P. Washington, Catholic Priest
During the early morning hours of February 3, 1943 the USAT Dorchester was part of a convoy of six ships heading for Greenland when an enemy U-boat attacked, firing a torpedo into the ship's midsection. The Dorchester quickly began taking on water, and the order was given to abandon ship. Four Army chaplains worked to pass out life vests until all the vests were gone. Without regard for their safety the four chaplains gave up their own life vests so others might be saved. These brave men of different faiths were last seen locked arm-in-arm on the ship's hull praying and singing hymns. They perished as the Dorchester slipped beneath the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the The Four Chaplains series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 3, 1712.
Location. 42° 38.889′ N, 73° 45.625′ W. Marker is in Albany, New York, in Albany County. It is in Capitol Hill. Memorial is on Madison Avenue just north of Eagle St. Marker is at the entrance to a larger war memorial. See photos. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Albany NY 12210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bleecker Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Executive Mansion (about 500 feet away); Albany Medical College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lincoln in Albany (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Main Entrance to Old Capitol (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Frederick (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Frederick (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Four Chaplain markers
Also see . . . The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation. Foundation website homepage (Submitted on May 8, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2013, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. This page has been viewed 1,280 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 2, 2013, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.