On February 3, 1943 four chaplains from four different denominations gave their lives to save others during the sinking of their ship the USAT Dorchester. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out.

The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. The four chaplains were Methodist Reverend George L. Fox, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Roman Catholic Priest John P. Washington, and the Reformed Church in America Reverend Clark V. Poling.

The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation was established on February 3, 1951 to impart the principles of selfless service to humanity without regard to race, creed, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.