Men of faith honored for sacrifice by American Legion post in ClarksvilleBy Ernest A. Schmidt Contributed February 14, 2022 3:06 pm
Published in Clarksville Now
https://clarksvillenow.com/local/men-of-faith-honored-for-sacrifice-by-a...
CLARKSVILLE, TN – American Legion CSM Gary W. Crisp Post 289, along with Scout Troop 289, Cub Scout Pack 505 and Scouts BSA Troop 21 honored the courageous sacrifice of four chaplains at the Four Chaplains Memorial Service.
“This service is a tribute to those courageous chaplains and the 672 brave young men who lost their lives on that fateful night. Further, this service honors all those who have served, and whose courage and faith have sustained our country,” stated Ernest Schmidt, the 2nd Vice Commander and Committee Chairman for the event.
Post 289 Commander David Zeveney described how on that cold and icy morning, four men of different denominations came together in solidarity, giving up their life vests so others could live. In the end, they held onto their faith and each other as they linked arms, prayed and went down with the Dorchester.
“At 12:30 a.m. on February 3, 1943, the bell on the troopship … Dorchester rang twice and never sounded again,” recounted Schmidt. “The USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by an enemy submarine, and 672 young men paid the supreme sacrifice. Included in the 672 were four men of God – a rabbi, a Roman Catholic priest, a Methodist minister, and a Dutch Reformed minister – all Army chaplains.”
Four candles were lit in honor of the chaplains, each with story reflecting the life and service.
Carmen Cherry of Post 289, explained that when the war started, Lt. George L. Fox, a Methodist minister from Vermont and veteran of World War I, told his wife, “I’ve got to go. I know from experience what our boys are about to face. They need me.”
Kerem Hashem, a member of the Messianic Jewish Congregation in Clarksville, lit a candle for Lt. Alexander D. Goode and told the story of how Goode was an outstanding athlete and scholar who wanted to be a rabbi, like his father. When the war broke out, he joined the Army Chaplain Corps, leaving his wife, his childhood sweetheart, behind.
Larry Johnson of Post 289 explained that Lt. Clark V. Poling, a seventh-generation Dutch Reformed minister, was the youngest of the four chaplains. He asked his father to pray for him when he left for the war “just that I shall do my duty and have the strength, courage, and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate,” Poling asked.
Tony Carmona Post 289 Chaplain explained how Lt. John P. Washington, a young Irish man, was the leader of the South Twelfth Street gang in Newark, New Jersey, when called to the priesthood. “He played ball with the boys of the parish, organized sports teams, and when war came along, went with his ‘boys’ into the Army,” said Collins. “His wonderful voice, raised in song and prayer to comfort those around him, could be heard until his final moments on February 3, 1943.”
Chaplain Carmona closed the meeting and ceremony by encouraging others to aspire to be like the four chaplains. “Remember, you must love to be loved. It is better of give than to receive.
CLARKSVILLE, TN – American Legion CSM Gary W. Crisp Post 289, along with Scout Troop 289, Cub Scout Pack 505 and Scouts BSA Troop 21 honored the courageous sacrifice of four chaplains at the Four Chaplains Memorial Service.
“This service is a tribute to those courageous chaplains and the 672 brave young men who lost their lives on that fateful night. Further, this service honors all those who have served, and whose courage and faith have sustained our country,” stated Ernest Schmidt, the 2nd Vice Commander and Committee Chairman for the event.
Post 289 Commander David Zeveney described how on that cold and icy morning, four men of different denominations came together in solidarity, giving up their life vests so others could live. In the end, they held onto their faith and each other as they linked arms, prayed and went down with the Dorchester.
“At 12:30 a.m. on February 3, 1943, the bell on the troopship … Dorchester rang twice and never sounded again,” recounted Schmidt. “The USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by an enemy submarine, and 672 young men paid the supreme sacrifice. Included in the 672 were four men of God – a rabbi, a Roman Catholic priest, a Methodist minister, and a Dutch Reformed minister – all Army chaplains.”
ur candles were lit in honor of the chaplains, each with story reflecting the life and service.
Carmen Cherry of Post 289, explained that when the war started, Lt. George L. Fox, a Methodist minister from Vermont and veteran of World War I, told his wife, “I’ve got to go. I know from experience what our boys are about to face. They need me.”
Kerem Hashem, a member of the Messianic Jewish Congregation in Clarksville, lit a candle for Lt. Alexander D. Goode and told the story of how Goode was an outstanding athlete and scholar who wanted to be a rabbi, like his father. When the war broke out, he joined the Army Chaplain Corps, leaving his wife, his childhood sweetheart, behind.
Larry Johnson of Post 289 explained that Lt. Clark V. Poling, a seventh-generation Dutch Reformed minister, was the youngest of the four chaplains. He asked his father to pray for him when he left for the war “just that I shall do my duty and have the strength, courage, and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate,” Poling asked.
Tony Carmona Post 289 Chaplain explained how Lt. John P. Washington, a young Irish man, was the leader of the South Twelfth Street gang in Newark, New Jersey, when called to the priesthood. “He played ball with the boys of the parish, organized sports teams, and when war came along, went with his ‘boys’ into the Army,” said Collins. “His wonderful voice, raised in song and prayer to comfort those around him, could be heard until his final moments on February 3, 1943.”
Chaplain Carmona closed the meeting and ceremony by encouraging others to aspire to be like the four chaplains. “Remember, you must love to be loved. It is better of give than to receive.
“The four chaplains did. They were only with us for a short time. We will remain forever. May God’s light shine upon you. We miss you and we will never forget.”
