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The Navy Public Affairs Library (NAVPALIB)
A service of the Navy Office of Information,
Washington DC
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 1994 14:10:40 +0000 (GMT)
From: GEN C. E. Mundy, Jr., Commandant,
USMC in a message to celebrate the Chaplain Corps Anniversary on November
28
Fraternal Act Not Forgotten
Washington DC (NENS) -- I am reminded of
the story of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, enroute to Greenland during World
War II. The ship was within 50 miles of her destination when a German U-boat
torpedoed her. With 902 American troops and civilian workers aboard, the
ship began to sink into the icy waters of the Atlantic. Frenzied men fled
for the life boats, others for life jackets in order to save themselves.
In the traumatic chaos, four chaplains, one-Jewish, two-Protestant and
one Roman Catholic, gave up their own life-jackets...Their only means of
survival to four distraught and frightened young men.
In the end the four chaplains, all from
different faiths, went to their deaths with gallant dignity and godly spirit.
Their faith and courage...and fraternal compassion, gave to every man looking
from the chaotic decks or sitting in the safety of the waters, a serenity
of spirit and a true example of submission to God. For this action, 230
survivors never forgot this fraternal act of love for the flock.
I would like to say to all those who are
the calm and steady voice of strength and the truth--to those men and women
of the Chaplain Corps who show the mystical fellowship which lightens our
emotional load, that you are highly praised and warmly appreciated as team-members.
My prayers go with you as you celebrate
your birthday, and may God continue to bless you with courage, devotion
and the wisdom of Solomon.
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