The Four Chaplains: A Story of Heroism, Sacrifice, and Remembrance

5:00 p.m. Reception  |  6:00 p.m. Presentation

On February 3, 1943, the SS Dorchester—a US Army transport—was making its way in a convoy from the United States to a command base in southern Greenland. En route, she was struck by torpedo fire from a German U-boat, and sank within 20 minutes.

Four chaplains were on board the Dorchester—George L. Fox, a Methodist minister; Rabbi Alexander D. Good; Catholic priest Reverend John P. Washington; and the Reverend Clark V. Poling, a Reformed Church in America minister. As panic set in among soldiers aboard the sinking ship, the chaplains guided men to safety through darkened ship corridors, then gave up their life vests to those who had none. After helping as many men as possible into lifeboats, the four men were seen linking arms, singing and praying. They went down with the ship and were among nearly 700 who perished.

Join us as Captain Louis Cavaliere, chairman of The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation, shares their story and the efforts to preserve their memory.

Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the event live.