Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Brian Govang
Post 158 historian
LISBON — February 18 was a reverent day for American Legion Post 158 — a day to remember the actions and sacrifice of four chaplains on a sinking transport.
The ceremony started with a welcoming by James Veilleux, post adjutant and District 3 commander, followed by Post 158 Chaplin Lewis Crafts giving the invocation. Next, the Four Chaplin’s story, written by the late Mona Naragon, was read:
“It was February 1943 the height of World War II and the Germans had over 500+ submarines prowling the sea lanes in wolf packs. They sank 700+ merchant ships before the Allies developed a good defense against undersea attacks. First the Allies bombed German submarine bases without mercy. Secondly, they began convoys of merchant ships escorted with long-range bomber support.
“Now this is the official sad story of the saga of the four chaplains. It was known as ‘torpedo junction’ — the U-Boat infested icy water of the North Atlantic during WWII. On Jan. 23, 1943, the U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester, an old coastal steamer quickly put into military service, left New York harbor bound for Greenland. The Dorchester was escorted by three Coast Guard cutters. Two patrolled the flanks, and the third, the Tampa, was 3,000 yards out in front.
“Most of the thousand-plus men were sea sick and green with nausea. The weather was bitterly cold with gale force winds. Ice began building up on the decks, and with the increased weight slowed the Dorchester to 10 knots. Moving among the men were four Army Chaplains: George I Fox (Methodist minister), Alexander D. Goode (a Jewish rabbi), Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reform minister) and John P. Washington (Catholic priest). The Chaplains talked and listened to the men, soothing apprehensions and offering encouragement and shared jokes. By their concern and their camaraderie with the men and one another, they brought solace.
“On Feb. 2, 1943, the Tampa’s sonar detected the presence of a submarine, dropping back to sweep the periphery of the convoy, but failed to find the submarine. That evening the Tampa returned to patrol the area up front, and the other ships followed.
“The captain ordered the men to sleep in their clothing with life jackets close at hand. They were now just a 150 miles from Greenland, and with daylight there would be air cover from the American base. It was just after midnight, Feb. 3, 1943, when an enemy submarine fired a torpedo at the Dorchester’s flank. The torpedo exploded in the boiler room, destroying the electrical supply and releasing suffocating clouds of steam and ammonia gas. Many on board died instantly and others were trapped below deck. Others jolted from their bunks groped and stumbled their way to the decks of the stricken vessel. The ship began to list to starboard, as she filled with sea water. Overcrowded lifeboats capsized, and rafts drifted away before anyone could reach them. Men clung to the rail, frozen with fear, unable to let go and plunge into the dark churning water far below.”
Symbolism of the Four Chaplains Life Jacket and Gloves
“The testimony of survivors tells us that the sole order and the only fragment of hope in this chaos came from the four Chaplains, who calmly guided men to their boat stations. They opened a stowage locker and distributed life jackets. They coaxed men, frozen with fear, over the side. Soon the supply of life jackets was exhausted and the four Chaplains gave away to the men their own life jackets. These four men of God had given away their only means of saving themselves in order to save others. The Chaplains gathered together and led the men around them in a prayer and a hymn. Then as the slant of the deck became severe they linked their arms together in brotherhood, and with their heads bowed in prayer they sank beneath the waves.
“It was an historic act. It wasn’t the only heroic act aboard the Dorchester, but it was especially significant because of the identity of these four men — two Protestants, a Catholic and a Jew.”
After the reading, Tom Brunelle spoke about Chaplain George L. Fox, a Methodist minister. He was the oldest of four siblings from Vermont. Fox was a decorated veteran of WWI having earned the Silver Star, the Croix de Guerre, and the Purple Heart. He joined the Army in August, 1942.
Michelle Foss spoke about Chaplain Alexander D. Goode, a Jewish rabbi. Goode walked 30 miles to witness the return of the Unknown Soldier because it showed more respect. He served on active duty beginning August 9, 1942.
Larry Hall represented Chaplain Clark V. Poling of the Dutch Reformed Church. He was the seventh generation to be ordained; he didn’t want to be a chaplain, but when his father told him chaplains have a high mortality rate, that’s when he enlisted. He had asked his father to pray for him, not for his safe return, but to pray he would do his duty. Poling began active duty June 10, 1942.
Post Commander Ron Saindon spoke about the life of Chaplain John P. Washington, a Catholic priest, brought up in the toughest section of Newark, N.J. One of nine children born to an Irish immigrant family, he loved music and had a beautiful voice. He also loved a good fight, entering the military May 9, 1942. His wonderful voice could be heard until his final moments in 1943.
Post members offered a benediction and played “Taps,” ending the ceremony.
