American Legion to Host Four Chaplain’s Service

The annual Four Chaplains’ Service commemorates the selfless acts of four chaplains on February 3, 1943.

This year, Huntingdon American Legion Post 47 will host the Memorial Service on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 5 p.m., at the Carroll County Civic Center, 201 Mustang Drive, Huntingdon.

The event is free. The event is open to everyone and a free meal is provided. The guest speaker is Rev. Lt. Garrett Burns, Active Duty Navy Chaplain and Associate Chaplain at Bethel University.

On that fateful early morning in 1943, as the USAT Dorchester sank in the Labrador Sea, survivors saw four men, arms linked, praying on the deck. These men, known as “The Four Chaplains,” had given away their life vests to save others as the ship, en route to Greenland, was hit by torpedoes from German U-boat U-233.

In this tragedy, another hero, Charles Walter David Jr., a mess attendant aboard the USCGC Comanche, displayed remarkable courage. Despite facing discrimination and holding a low rank, David helped lift soldiers from lifeboats onto the Comanche’s deck and bravely dived into the water to rescue two shipmates, including Lieutenant Langford Anderson.

Sadly, David reportedly died of pneumonia days later, due to his exposure during the rescue.

The Dorchester, carrying over 900 men, had left New York City for Greenland on January 23, 1943.

These men were destined to replace personnel at Greenland bases, a commitment by the U.S. following a 1941 agreement with Denmark to protect Greenland during World War II.

The four chaplains, united in their duty despite different faiths, had joined the military after the Pearl Harbor attack.

As the Dorchester sank, they guided soldiers to safety and sacrificed their life vests. In a notable act of selflessness, Rabbi Goode gave his gloves to Navy Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, later revealed to be his only pair.

The Dorchester’s escort included the USCGC Tampa, USCGC Escanaba, and USCGC Comanche.