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Service honors 4 chaplains

WARREN — Four chaplains of different religious denominations who gave their lives to help others during World War II were remembered at the Four Chaplains service at First United Methodist Church in Warren.

The service, presented by American Legion Howland Post 700, was attended by more than 20 people, who remembered Army chaplains George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington and Clark V. Poling, who all died while aboard the USS Dorchester in 1943.

“Every year we have tried to hold a memorial service in February to remember the chaplains and the sacrifices they made,” said First Vice Commander Chuck Sayers.

Chaplain David Luther said the four chaplains gave their lives so that four others may live.

“Through them, we can recognize all the great and heroic men and women who gave their lives and service to this country,” he said.

Adjutant Darlene Freer said the USS Dorchester was traveling in icy waters heading for Greenland during World War II on Feb.3, 1943.

“The captain had the men keep their life jackets on at all times. “ she said.

The chaplains were of different denominations: Fox was a Methodist, Goode was Jewish, Poling was Dutch Reformed and Washington was Roman Catholic.

Freer said the chaplains offered encouragement to the people, and the four chaplains got everyone into spare life jackets and when there were not enough, they gave their own life jackets to the servicemen.

“They decided to remain with the sinking ship,” she said. “Two of the chaplains were Protestants, one was a Catholic and one was a Jew. These four portrayed the basic unity of the American people. These four young men represented the bravery and faith of the American people. They did selfless service.”

Luther said the American Legion plans to continue the service every year.

“There is nothing greater than a man who lays down his own life for his friends,” he said.

He said all four chaplains volunteered for the service after the attack on Pearl Harbor and they all met at chaplain school in Massachusetts.

”Their faith was important in their lives. There is no weakness in what they did for their country and God,” Luther said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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