The Four Chaplains
On February 3rd, 1943 as the American troopship Dorchester neared its destination, Greenland, it was torpedoed at 12:55 A.M. by a German submarine. The old ship immediately began to sink. As the men clamored to the deck, the four chaplains on board took charge of handing out life jackets. When the supply was exhausted, the chaplains removed their own life jackets and courageously gave them to others.
Minutes later, the Dorchester went under--with the four chaplains standing on the deck, their arms linked, singing praises to God. Many other men also went down with the ship.
Of the 904 troops on the ship, only 230 were rescued from the turbulent, icy waters of the North Atlantic by the three Coast Guard cutter escort.
These four chaplains represented the very truest form of love and brotherhood. The memory of their sacrifice should inspire each of us who believe in God to be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to preserve the peace and freedom that is ours in this great nation.
Lt. Alexander Goode - Jewish Rabbi
Lt. George Fox - Protestant Minister
Lt. Clark Poling - Protestant Minister
Lt. John Washington - Catholic Priest
TOWER OF HONOR
This Tower of Honor is erected in acknowledgment for and in memory of the greatest sacrifice one can make, in fighting for freedom,
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It is fitting that the names listed herein, because of the love of family and country, be placed for all to see. Let history record that when this nation faced perilous times, these men and women did not find excuses not to serve this nation, but reason to serve proudly, honorably, with devotion to the nation above and beyond the call of duty.
They shall not be forgotten for they made it possible.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Military • 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, 1943.
Location. 29° 57.223′ N, 93° 52.682′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. Memorial is at the intersection of Gulfway Drive (State Highway 87) and State Highway 73 on Gulfway Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7626 Gulfway Drive, Port Arthur TX 77642, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Spanish-American War (here, next to this marker); Merchant Marine Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II 36th Division Support Troops (within shouting distance of this marker); 143rd Infantry Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Thirty Sixth Infantry Division
More about this marker. Located at the Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 23, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
