HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - The Chapel will host a family-friendly reenactment to honor the heroism of four chaplains and a Coast Guardsman who sacrificed their lives to help evacuate a sinking ship during World War II.
The event will take place at the Hanscom School on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and begin with a free dinner.
“The Four Chaplains are iconic examples of sacrifice for the Chaplain Corps,” said Hanscom AFB Chaplain (Maj.) Alex Lu.
On Feb. 3, 1943, a German torpedo struck the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester, cutting electrical power and silencing its radio. Within approximately 25 minutes, the ship sank. Rather than save themselves, the chaplains remained aboard, helping with the evacuation and giving their life jackets to men who had lost theirs.
The chaplains, all first lieutenants in the U. S. Army, represented different faiths: Chaplain George L. Fox, a Methodist minister; Chaplain Alexander D. Goode, a Reform rabbi; Chaplain Clark V. Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister; and Chaplain John P. Washington, a Roman Catholic priest.
“It’s a very important historical event that most people don’t know about,” said Ch.(Maj.) Gary Davidson, 66th Air Base Group staff chaplain. “They are a legendary group that the U.S. government has recognized for their sacrifice and bravery.”
As he floated in the freezing water, 1st Sgt. Michael Warish, the senior enlisted soldier aboard the Dorchester, recalled seeing the chaplains praying together as the ship sank, taking 674 men with it .
“This is the ideal of what the chaplaincy should be all about – caring for others,” said Ch. Davidson.
A granddaughter of one of Dorchester survivors will be a guest speaker, sharing her grandfather’s story.
The event is free and open to all personnel with base access.
Those planning to attend are asked to register with the QR code.
