PRINTER'S NO. 124
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
22
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY PHILLIPS-HILL, BARTOLOTTA, MARTIN, J. WARD, VOGEL,
MENSCH, PITTMAN, SCAVELLO AND BAKER, JANUARY 29, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, JANUARY 29, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Designating February 3, 2021, as "Four Chaplains Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, On January 11, 1943, the United States Army
Transport Dorchester sailed from New York to Greenland carrying
more than 900 soldiers, merchant marines and civilian support
forces; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after midnight on February 3, 1943, the
Dorchester was struck by a torpedo fired without warning from a
German U-boat patrolling the North Atlantic, instantly killing
100 men and cutting off power and radio communication with
escort ships; and
WHEREAS, In the 20 minutes before the ship sank, four Army
chaplains, Lieutenants George L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D.
Goode (Jewish), John P. Washington (Roman Catholic) and Clark V.
Poling (Dutch Reformed), comforted the dying, encouraged the
living, guided survivors to lifeboats and gave up their own life
jackets to men who had none, sacrificing their own lives for
those of their spiritual charges; and
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WHEREAS, Because the four chaplains were technically
ineligible for the Medal of Honor, the Congress of the United
States authorized a onetime posthumous Special Medal for Heroism
which was presented to the four chaplains' next of kin on
January 18, 1961, in addition to the Purple Hearts and
Distinguished Service Crosses already awarded to them; and
WHEREAS, The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation, located in
Philadelphia, continues to honor their peerless legacy by
recognizing citizens who perform exemplary service to their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Goode spent the final years of his life
in York, Pennsylvania, where an elementary school in the York
City School District proudly bears his name to honor his valor
and sacrifice; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate February 3, 2021, as
"Four Chaplains Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate honor the sacrifice and inspiring
selflessness of Lieutenants Fox, Goode, Washington and Poling.
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