Presbyterian Mission Agency and retired Army Chaplain Archives

and retired Army Chaplain

Minute for Mission: Remember Our Chaplains – Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies

Posted January 23rd, 2024

On Feb. 3, 1943, four U.S. Army chaplains from different faith traditions selflessly gave up their life jackets to others on the USAT Dorchester as it sank from a strike by an enemy torpedo. Survivors recall seeing four chaplains, arms linked together, praying as the ship slipped beneath the waves. Since that date, Feb. 3 has become an observance called the Four Chaplains Day and serves to bring together people of diverse backgrounds to recognize our common humanity.