Besides being Saint Blase Day, today is also known as "Four Chaplains Day." The US Congress designated today to honor the 4 US Army chaplains who were serving on the USAT Dorchester during World War II.
Father John P. Washington (Roman Catholic priest), Rev. Clark V. Poling (Dutch reformed), Rev. George L. Fox (Methodist), and Rabbi Alexander D. Goode sacrificed their lives as their ship went down. 672 of 902 men died.
All of the chaplains held the rank of lieutenant.
The Episcopal Church has designated February 3 a liturgical memorial for these chaplains.
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