[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 19, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E72-E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN COMMEMORATION OF USAT ``DORCHESTER''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 19, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the brave 
individuals of the United States Army Transport Dorchester. While 
participating in a naval transport, on February 3, 1943, USAT 
Dorchester was attacked, sending 676 men to their graves in the icy 
waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On January 23, 2011, the Middletown VFW 
Post #2179 and Ladies Auxiliary will gather to commemorate the brave 
individuals who lost their lives on this tragic day. The honorable 
actions of the World War II soldiers are undoubtedly deserving of this 
body's recognition.
  Previously a luxury coastal liner, the USAT Dorchester was converted 
into an Army transport ship and immediately called up for service in 
World War II. Departing from St. John's, Newfoundland on February 2, 
1943, the Dorchester was filled to capacity, carrying 902 service men, 
merchant seamen and civilian workers on their way to an American base 
in Greenland. The ship's captain, Hans J. Danielson, was aware of the 
dangerous mission as he instructed the ship's crew to sleep in their 
clothing and life jackets. Traveling through the treacherous and chilly 
Atlantic Ocean waters, the USAT Dorchester was spotted on the morning 
of February 3, 1943 by a German submarine. Torpedoes were soon fired, 
striking the starboard side of the ship. The attack

[[Page E73]]

quickly eliminated all power and radio contact with nearby coast guard 
escort ships. The attack violently awoke soldiers, killing scores of 
men and injuring many others. Despite the panic and chaos, four 
chaplains, George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling and John 
Washington, immediately jumped into action, calming frantic soldiers 
and tending to the wounded. They swiftly began opening storage lockers, 
distributing life jackets. With an insufficient amount of supplies, the 
four chaplains removed their lifejackets and distributed them to 
others. Their decisive and heroic actions assisted in the swift 
survival of 229 men. Along with 672 other men, the four chaplains 
tragically lost their lives while assisting others as the USAT 
Dorchester slowly sank into the Atlantic Ocean.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the USAT Dorchester, as 
the members of the Middletown VFW Post #2179 and Ladies Auxiliary honor 
the lives of the four heroic chaplains and the other 672 men who lost 
their lives aboard this transport ship on February 3, 1943. The 
soldier's gallant actions and resilient efforts aboard the USAT 
Dorchester are positive examples of what dedication and commitment to 
their comrades and their love for their country can accomplish.

                          ____________________