Bill > SR15

This resolution designates February 3, 2025, as "Four Chaplains Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate a remarkable act of heroism during World War II. On February 3, 1943, the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the North Atlantic, causing immediate casualties and cutting off communication. During the ship's sinking, four military chaplains from different religious backgrounds - George L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) - heroically comforted dying soldiers, guided survivors to lifeboats, and ultimately sacrificed their own lives by giving away their life jackets to other men. Although they were technically ineligible for the Medal of Honor, Congress later authorized a Special Medal for Heroism, which was presented to their families in 1961. The resolution also acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation in Philadelphia and notes that Lieutenant Goode is remembered in York County, where an elementary school bears his name. By designating this day, the resolution aims to honor the chaplains' extraordinary sacrifice, selflessness, and interfaith unity during a critical moment in military history.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=R&bn=15