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It was Feb. 3, 1943. World War II was in full swing. Lts. George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington and Clark V. Polig were not the only men who lost their lives that day, but they were very likely the only ones who volunteered to die.
The four Army chaplains — two Protestants, a Catholic and a Jew — were stationed aboard the USAT Dorchester. When an enemy torpedo struck and sank the ship in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, the chaplains gave up their lifejackets so servicemen could survive.
As the ship went down, the story goes, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains, arms linked and braced against the slanting deck, offering up prayers.
Four years later, the Chapel of Four Chaplains was conceived as a nonprofit organization to honor this heroic act aboard the American vessel. History has recorded many acts of bravery aboard the Dorchester, but this one was significant because of the diverse affiliations of the four men.
The mission of the charitable group — which has a local chapter in the Philadelphia Naval Business Center — is to "encourage cooperation and selfless service among all people." Its motto is "Unity Without Uniformity."
Not all members are chaplains, as the name suggests.
The organization does not support a particular theology or doctrine, instead promoting finding strength in one another and with God. The organization includes Muslims, Jews and Christians, noted Lou Forgione, vice chairman of the board of directors, public-relations director and vice commander of the rescue team for chaplains.
"If you could get a blender and put all these religions in and blend them, we would have a peaceful world," Forgione said.
The Chapel of Four Chaplains distributes scholarships and awards and runs youth initiatives to preserve the legacy of the original four chaplains. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the national organization is 30,000 strong. There are 19,765 members in the tri-state area alone.
Yet the Chapel of Four Chaplains keeps a relatively low profile. The local chapter is based inside the former naval chapel at 1201 Constitution Ave. in the Naval Business Center. A stained glass window in the back of the room depicts the original chaplains’ act of heroism.
Over the years, the organization has honored some 60 politicians, sports figures and actors, bestowing them with bronze or gold medallion awards, Forgione said. Some of the past honorees include President George W. Bush and former president Jimmy Carter. Local politicians singled out include Sen. Arlen Specter, former Mayor Frank Rizzo and Mayor John Street. Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda is also a past honoree.
"We honor people in the United States who show selfless service, promoting peace and harmony and unity without uniformity," said Forgione.
This year, the Chapel of Four Chaplains 37th Annual Awards Banquet will honor game-show host Monty Hall and Temple basketball coach John Chaney. Hall is being recognized for his philanthropic work and the coach for taking under his wing troubled youths that other colleges have turned away, Forgione explained.
The event will be held Tuesday at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, City Avenue and Monument Road. The Chapel of Four Chaplains annual conference will precede the banquet. Both are open to the public for a fee.
The local chapter tries to promote its values to the younger generation through an annual essay and art contest for students around the country. Those whose depictions of peace and good will are selected are awarded $50 to $1,000 cash prizes and flown to Philadelphia, all expenses paid, said Forgione. "Imagine a 9-year-old child from North Carolina comes to the big city and is honored for his interpretation of our message," the vice chairman said.
The reigning Miss New Jersey, Vanessa Baker, will present the awards to this year’s contest winners at the banquet.
Last Wednesday, the Chapel of Four Chaplains demonstrated yet another facet of its mission by conducting a disaster-relief training session inside the former naval chapel. Four of the eight chaplains who make up the local chapter received crisis training from a team of instructors — including a couple of men who know a thing or two about the subject.
Fred Honegman was present at Ground Zero and has extensive disaster-relief and crisis-intervention training. He also serves on the board of directors for the Chapel of Four Chaplains.
David Marantz is a district chief with the U.S. Search and Rescue Task Force, as well as the New Jersey state president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
Wearing hard hats, gas masks and tactical jackets similar to those used at Ground Zero, the instructors simulated three common emergency situations and medical rescue techniques.
"Blocking" procedures demonstrated how to rescue a victim trapped under a heavy object or debris; "fire emergency techniques" taught the proper way to extinguish flames and care for those injured; and "chin tilt" resuscitation demonstrated how to revive unconscious individuals.
The Home Depot donated wood, fire extinguishers and other items for the session, noted Forgione.
The training was intended to enhance the chaplains’ knowledge and skills to handle emergency situations, both on a local and national level.
Many of the local chaplains volunteered at Ground Zero, including Forgione. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army called upon the Chapel of Four Chaplains to aid their efforts after the collapse of the Twin Towers. Collectively, the local chaplains dedicated 4,000 hours at the site of the World Trade Center. Working the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift of volunteers, their sole purpose was to lend support and comfort to rescue workers, Forgione said.
Recalling his time at Ground Zero, he said, "I never saw a battlefield or a bombed-out building. It was the most God-awful thing I’ve ever seen in my life. The total disaster was so overwhelming."
Forgione witnessed many things that struck at the very core of his being, but remembers one story in particular. A huge firefighter, about 6-foot-4, approached him and said, "Are you a real chaplain? Are you a man of God?" After Forgione told him he was, the fireman said, "Well, I need a hug."
After the two embraced, the fireman looked at the chaplain and said, "Thank you. That is all I needed." He then went back to the gruesome task of looking for more bodies.
The chaplain said he had nothing but admiration and respect for the firefighters and police for their dedication and hard work in recovering victims — or in most cases, parts of victims. "No one complained at all. It was a very solemn process," he said.
Tragedy often carries with it remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice. The Chapel of Four Chaplains is ensuring one of those stories isn’t lost in the yellowed pages of history. And, while they’re at it, the members are inventing some new ones.
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To register for the conference and banquet, or to learn more about the Chapel of Four Chaplains, call 215-218-1943 or visit www.fourchaplains.org.
