[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE FOUR CHAPLAINS OF THE U.S.S. DORCHESTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to pay tribute 
to the four brave Chaplains of the U.S.S. Dorchester who sacrificed 
their lives in order to save those of others.
  On February 3, 1943, a German U-boat off the coast of Greenland sank 
the U.S.S. Dorchester, carrying approximately nine hundred American 
servicemen. A torpedo struck the Dorchester mid-ship, killing hundreds 
instantly, and sending those still alive into confusion and terror. As 
the Dorchester began to sink it became clear to many on board that the 
situation was becoming increasingly dire. Unable to signal for help, or 
call nearby ships due to security reasons, the U.S.S. Dorchester faced 
disaster on its own.
  It was in spite of such confusion that George L. Fox, Clark V. 
Poling, Alexander Goode, and John P. Washington, the four chaplains of 
the U.S.S. Dorchester calmly worked to bring order to the catastrophe. 
Distributing life jackets with composure, the chaplains--one Catholic, 
one Jewish, and two Protestant--worked together to save the lives of 
many American servicemen. They did this at the cost of their own lives, 
giving the final four life jackets to needy American soldiers. Linked 
arm in arm, praying to the one God to whom they all served, they sank 
with the Dorchester, leaving America eternally in debt to their 
gratitude.
  The inspirational service, and dedication of these four courageous 
chaplains saved many American lives in the frigid waters of the 
Atlantic. Their story continues to be one of inspiration to many 
religious communities throughout America. Furthermore, their 
willingness to stand together, linked arm in arm, disregarding 
religious boundaries can be viewed as a true testament to the beauty of 
religious freedom--a moral value that the United States of America has 
incessantly fought to protect.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues of the House of Representatives to 
join with me to honor George L. Fox, Clark V. Poling, Alexander Goode, 
and John P. Washington, the four courageous chaplains of the U.S.S. 
Dorchester.

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