Seaman Post 633 Urges Observance of Four Chaplains Day Feb. 3

Charles H. Eyre American Legion Post 633 in Seaman published a remembrance Jan. 28 urging observance of Four Chaplains Day on Feb. 3, calling on the community to reflect on a World War II rescue and the chaplains’ interfaith sacrifice. The observance is meant to bring residents together around themes of service, faith and shared humanity.

The account recalls the Feb. 1943 sinking of the U.S. Army transport Dorchester after it was struck by an enemy torpedo while sailing in convoy toward Greenland. One American Legion account notes, "On Feb. 3, 1943, at 12:55 a.m., the U.S. Army transport Dorchester was struck by a torpedo in the frosty waters of the Atlantic Ocean." Other Legion materials describe the incident as occurring on the evening of Feb. 2, 1943, reflecting variations in historic retellings. The Dorchester was reported to have been about 150 miles west of Cape Farwell, Greenland and a day from its destination when it was hit.

Contemporary American Legion and local submissions provide the shipboard figures widely cited in commemorations: the Dorchester was carrying 902 officers, enlisted men, Navy armed guard, merchant seamen and civilian workers; Coast Guard cutter escorts Comanche and Escanaba rescued 230 men. American Legion materials commonly honor "the chaplains and 668 other men who died" when the Dorchester sank. A simple subtraction of 902 aboard minus 230 survivors yields 672 total fatalities (this is a calculated figure based on the numbers cited).

The remembrance centers on four Army chaplains who put aside denominational differences to aid others as the ship went down: Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed). American Legion materials describe how the chaplains "calmed frightened soldiers, aided the wounded and guided the disoriented toward safety," and the American Legion Auxiliary recounts that "On a cold night in the North Atlantic on Feb. 3, 1943, not only did one man give up his life jacket, but three others joined him." One account observes, "On this tragic day, these chaplains put aside their differences and came together for the good of all."

Local and national Legion organizations encourage interfaith memorials and civic recognition. Congress designated Four Chaplains Day in 1948 and the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia, founded in 1951, promotes observances and recognizes selfless service through a Legion of Honor program. American Legion guidance (Stock# 26-001, Rev. 01/2020; Artwork# 60MAG0120 FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY) suggests elements such as placing "photos of the Four Chaplains, four red roses, life jackets, or four empty seats near the altar or podium," inviting clergy of different faiths, candle lighting or wreath laying, and issuing proclamations declaring the first Sunday in February as Four Chaplains Sunday.

Area posts have marked the anniversary in recent years. American Legion Post 62 in Dunkirk held a commemoration on Feb. 2, 2025, and listed a ceremony entry for Feb. 3, 2025; Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz proclaimed Feb. 3–9, 2025 as "Religious Emphasis Week." A photo caption from that observance lists Ronnie Mulkin, Paul Oyer, Jack Hood, Rev. Mattie McIntyre, Pastor Zoe Milliman, Chap. Christopher Zampaloni, Jim Lamanski, Tom Haynes, Jim Powlowski and Gary Richardson among those pictured.

The Seaman post’s reminder also includes a humanizing profile: a submission by Rebecca A. Rickey of Charles H. Eyre Post 633 highlights Lt. George L. Fox’s life. Fox served as a medical corps assistant in World War I, was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre, studied at Moody Institute, Illinois Wesleyan and Boston University School of Theology, served as a pastor in Gilman, Vermont, was married to Isadore with two children, joined Walter G. Moore American Legion Post 41 and served as the Legion’s state chaplain and historian. He went on active duty Aug. 8, 1942, the same day his son Wyatt enlisted in the Marine Corps, attended Chaplains School at Harvard and reported to the 411th Coast Artillery Battalion at Camp Davis in Holly Ridge, N.C.

For Adams County residents, the observance is both a historical remembrance and a civic moment to convene faith leaders, veterans and families around common values. American Legion materials include a sample proclamation template and suggested music for services; local posts and houses of worship can use those elements to plan events that honor the chaplains’ example. The Chapel of Four Chaplains and American Legion Auxiliary programs also offer materials for ceremonies in churches, civic halls and schools. Observing Four Chaplains Day gives communities a chance to remember those lost at sea, acknowledge acts of selfless service and model cooperation across faiths for the challenges ahead.