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Chaplains' sacrifice recalled
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT, Times Staff Writer
SPRING HILL -- As the USS Dorchester steamed north toward Greenland through a stretch of water known as Torpedo Junction, its 900 crew members knew they were in constant danger from German U-boats. In the early morning hours of Feb. 3, 1943, a torpedo struck the troop transport amidships below the waterline. Those who remember say the ship listed, and within 15 minutes, sank into the icy Atlantic. The tragic story of the Dorchester became famous for the selflessness of four chaplains -- all of different faiths -- who gave up their life jackets so that others might live. The memories of Protestant ministers George Fox and Clark Poling, Rabbi Alexander Goode and Catholic priest Johnny Washington were honored Sunday at a memorial service at Temple Beth David in Spring Hill. "It's a very moving story how these men gave themselves so others could live," said Melvin Greene of the Jewish War Veterans of Spring Hill, one of more than a dozen veterans groups represented at the service. The more than 300 people gathered for the service heard stories of how the four chaplains, who were among the 672 killed, linked arms and prayed together as the Dorchester sank. Sunday marked the second time the annual service, sponsored by American Legion Post 208, has been held at the location. Temple Beth David president Marlene Praglor welcomed those gathered. "Welcome to our house of worship," she said. "It's wonderful to see so many here of different faiths to pray together. It shows that we are all children of God." After religious leaders from the community read short biographies of each of the men, they lighted candles to honor them. "Do not forget," said Rabbi Cyrus Arfa of Temple Beth David. "Remember their bravery as an example to future generations." Wearing her white dress uniform, 15-year-old Jena Guy posted the colors for the Hernando Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets. "It's very touching to me," said Jena, who plans to enter the Navy as an officer.
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From today's Hernando Times |
