PRINTER'S NO. 162
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.15
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY PHILLIPS-HILL, PITTMAN, KEEFER, BROOKS, ROTHMAN,
MARTIN, FONTANA, PENNYCUICK, BAKER, CULVER, TARTAGLIONE,
KANE, STEFANO, J. WARD, DUSH AND MASTRIANO, FEBRUARY 3, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, FEBRUARY 3, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Designating February 3, 2025, 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
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17 those of their spiritual charges; and
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 residents who perform exemplary service to their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Goode will always be remembered in York
County, where an elementary school in the York City School
District proudly bears his name to honor his valor and
sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, In 2025, the Four Chaplains Memorial of York County
organization will hold its annual anniversary gathering to honor
the legacy of the Four Chaplains; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate February 3, 2025, 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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