In commemoration of the sacrifice of four armed forces Chaplains during World War II, The American Legion will observe Religious Emphasis Week, Feb. 1 to Feb. 7, according to Don Rock, chaplain of Bluffton Post 382.
The Bluffton American Legion members will attend the 10:30 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, Sunday, Feb. 1. All veterans and their spouses are welcome to attend.
Legion officials and clergy are planning special programs for the observance of the
72nd anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by
four chaplains.
Of the many incidents of World War II, probably none stirred the nation more deeply than the story of these four men whose heroic efforts were credited with the saving of more than 200 lives.
These four - a Jewish rabbi, a Roman Catholic priest and two Protestant ministers - issued life-belts to American servicemen aboard the troop transport after it was torpedoed on Feb. 3, 1943.
When the supply of life preservers was exhausted, the four Chaplains removed their own
life belts and gave them to four soldiers and then stood calmly on the sinking ship, their arms around one another's shoulders, and their heads bowed in prayer.
Inspired by the heroic deed of these four chaplains, The American Legion each year
marks the anniversary of their sacrifice through special services and programs throughout the nation.
