Four Chaplains Day: What Is It and How Can We Pay Our Respects?
January 31, 2026
A holiday not widely known about, Four Chaplains Day honors the heroic acts of Chaplains Lt. George L. Fox, Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Lt. Clark V. Poling, and Lt. John P. Washington- all were aboard the USAT Dorchester in 1943 on February 3rd.
What is it exactly?
This article on Military.com recounts the sinking of the Dorchester as the “worst single death toll for a U.S. convoy during WWII.” So every year, on or around February 3rd, we tell the story of the Selfless Service of the Chaplains aboard. Countless survivors gave interviews about the Chaplains initiative to act as soon as the ship was struck by a torpedo from a German U-Boat.
A Methodist Minister, a Jewish Rabbi, a Roman Catholic Priest, and a Dutch Reformed Minister guided as many men as they could below decks to collect life jackets and board lifeboats, even giving up their own life jackets to those in need. Once they could do nothing more but wait, they all stood hand in hand and bravely prayed together as the ship sunk in no more than 20 minutes. Survivors remember their words of encouragement as the only thing that kept them sane.
The Army first lieutenants were posthumously awarded a Special Medal for Heroism, the Distinguished Service Cross, and Purple Heart.
What can you do?
If you’re interested in observing the holiday and paying your respects, The American Legion post offers guidance and other resources on their website. There are also some Legion Posts that conduct a Four Chaplains service.
If you’re hoping to honor the Four Chaplains by impacting the Chaplains of today, Soldiers’ Angels offers multiple opportunities to do just that. With the help of our Chaplain Support Team, Chaplains can request items from us ranging from hygiene items, to everything needed to throw a holiday party to boost morale. This makes an enormous impact on deployed Service Members. Often times, these men and women are not able to make contact with friends or family, so the Chaplain is the closest connection they have to the outside world.
Whatever you choose to do, no matter how big or small, just know that you make a difference.
About The Author
Calesta Ahola has served in the United States Army for 8 years. She began her journey with Soldiers’ Angels as a SkillBridge Marketing Intern and is currently pursing her Bachelor’s Degree through Southern New Hampshire University.
