National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Today, we commemorate the legacy of the Four Chaplains: George L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed), and John P. Washington (Roman Catholic). On February 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was struck by a torpedo fired from a German U-boat in the North Atlantic. As the ship sank, the four chaplains, representing four different religious traditions, gallantly distributed life jackets to their fellow shipmates. Having run out of spare life jackets, they graciously gave up their own to save four more men. Unfortunately, all four chaplains died during the episode along with hundreds of other troops.

Their legacy and story of sacrifice live on within the Chaplain Corps. In fact, in 1960, Congress designated a special medal in their honor, known as the Four Chaplains Medal. The four could not be awarded the Medal of Honor since their actions were not amidst direct combat with the enemy. This medal was intended to maintain the same weight and importance as the Medal of Honor and was only ever awarded to the Four. Their story is a prominent example of the selfless leadership of chaplains.

If you want to learn more about the Four Chaplains and/or other heroic stories about chaplains, come pay us a visit at the Chaplains Museum!



Image: Artist’s depiction of the Four Chaplains together while the Dorchester sank.

Courtesy of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio. 

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Since the University is closed again today, the Chaplains Museum will not open for regular hours. We are looking forward to reopening again, hopefully tomorrow. Be sure to stop by and check out the latest additions! ...

The Chaplains Museum is closed today, Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather. We will reopen for regular hours.When the University reopens. We are looking forward to seeing our visitors then!

#snowday❄️ #chaplainsmuseum ...

In a video message released last month, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced plans for institutional reforms in the Chaplain Corps.

Secretary Hegseth affirms that chaplains play a vital role in spiritual guidance and ministry to service members. From its inception under George Washington, chaplains have inherited a deeply religious and moral background. Secretary Hegseth argues that in recent times, “chaplains have been minimized, viewed by many as therapists instead of ministers.” This minimization of faith has alienated religious warfighters, who account for 82% of the nation’s military.

Chaplains’ neglect of their institutional religious heritage is highlighted by the Army Spiritual Fitness guide, which, despite its length, only mentions God one time. This guide has since been eliminated at the Secretary’s direction. Additionally, the Department of War will simplify the Faith and Belief coding system. Chaplains will now have more discretion and freedom within their religious affiliation to minister to those under their care.

This is just the most recent institutional change in the Chaplain Corps, with more reforms expected. Visit our museum to learn more about other changes throughout the history of chaplains!

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio. 

#chaplainsmuseum #chaplain #militarychaplain #libertyuniversity #deptofwar #hegseth ...