Visited Sebastian Florida and came across these monuments.
"Four Immortal Chaplains"
At 12:55 am on February 3, 1943, a German torpedo struck the USAT DORCHESTER transporting soldiers in the North Atlantic during World War II. Twelve of the fourteen lifeboats were unusable and there were not enough life jackets for the frantic soldiers, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Rev, George L. Fox, Rev. Clark V. Poling and Father John P. Washington gave their jackets to others.
Remaing onboard, the Chaplains offered solace to the frightened men. Their actions saved lives. Soldiers, who survived, tell of the Four Chaplains, each of different faith, standing arm in arm, praying and singing as the ship vanished beneath the waves.
Posthumously, each Chaplain was awarded the Distinguished Cross and the Purple Heart for heroism. In 1948, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp, citing their bravery as "Interfaith in Action."
Only 230 of 902 Americans survived this tragedy.
"Four Immortal Chaplains"
At 12:55 am on February 3, 1943, a German torpedo struck the USAT DORCHESTER transporting soldiers in the North Atlantic during World War II. Twelve of the fourteen lifeboats were unusable and there were not enough life jackets for the frantic soldiers, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Rev, George L. Fox, Rev. Clark V. Poling and Father John P. Washington gave their jackets to others.
Remaing onboard, the Chaplains offered solace to the frightened men. Their actions saved lives. Soldiers, who survived, tell of the Four Chaplains, each of different faith, standing arm in arm, praying and singing as the ship vanished beneath the waves.
Posthumously, each Chaplain was awarded the Distinguished Cross and the Purple Heart for heroism. In 1948, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp, citing their bravery as "Interfaith in Action."
Only 230 of 902 Americans survived this tragedy.