Four Chaplains Day

Four Chaplains Day is observed on February 3 each year. In 2026, it falls on February 3. This day honors the four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save others during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester in World War II. The observance serves as a tribute to their interfaith cooperation and their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

History of Four Chaplains Day

The event took place in the early morning of February 3, 1943, when the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by a German submarine in the North Atlantic. The ship was carrying over 900 soldiers and civilian workers toward Greenland when the attack occurred. The explosion knocked out the electrical system, plunging the vessel into darkness and causing widespread panic among those trapped below deck. Amidst the chaos, four chaplains—George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, Clark V. Poling, and John P. Washington—worked to calm the men and guide them to lifeboats.

When the supply of life jackets ran out, the four chaplains removed their own vests and gave them to four young soldiers. Survivors who escaped on rafts later reported seeing the chaplains standing on the slanting deck, arms linked and praying together as the ship slipped beneath the icy water. In 1948, Congress officially designated February 3 as Four Chaplains Day to commemorate this act of heroism. Although they were ineligible for the Medal of Honor due to not being in active combat, a special posthumous medal was created for them in 1961 with the same weight and significance.

Why is Four Chaplains Day important?

This day is important because it highlights the power of interfaith unity during one of the darkest moments of the war. The four men represented different religious backgrounds: Methodist, Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Dutch Reformed. Their ability to work together seamlessly to provide spiritual comfort to all soldiers, regardless of their personal beliefs, remains a primary example of pluralism and mutual respect. The story serves as a foundational lesson for the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps on the meaning of selfless service.

The observance also ensures that the high cost of the Dorchester tragedy—one of the worst sea disasters for the United States during the war—is never forgotten. By focusing on the chaplains’ actions, the holiday provides a model for leadership and moral courage that extends beyond the military. It reminds the public that true bravery often manifests as the willingness to put the needs of others above one’s own survival, providing a timeless inspiration for humanitarianism.

• It recognizes the specific sacrifice of four men who chose to die so others could live.
• The day promotes the value of interfaith cooperation and religious tolerance.
• It honors the legacy of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps and its service members.
• The observance marks one of the most significant naval tragedies of World War II.
• It highlights the historical importance of the Four Chaplains’ Medal for Heroism.

How to Observe Four Chaplains Day

Many American Legion posts and veterans’ organizations observe the day by holding interfaith memorial services. These ceremonies often include a “four empty chairs” display or the symbolic placement of four life jackets to represent the fallen men. Many participants also attend services at the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia or visit one of the many monuments dedicated to them across the country to offer silent reflection or prayers.

Educational programs in schools and community centers often focus on the history of the USAT Dorchester to teach younger generations about the events of 1943. Some people observe the day by performing acts of community service or contributing to humanitarian causes that bridge religious or cultural divides. Social media is frequently used to share the portraits of the four men and the story of their final moments, helping to keep their memory alive for a modern audience.

• Attend an interfaith memorial service at a local veterans’ hall or church.
• Read the individual biographies of the four chaplains to learn their backgrounds.
• Visit a local military memorial or the Chapel of Four Chaplains.
• Organize a community service project that promotes unity among different groups.
• Share the story of the Dorchester sinking to educate others about its history.

Four Chaplains Day Dates Table