A Memoir: The Four Chaplains and the Sinking of the USAT Dorchester

Presented by Art Schwabe
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 • 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Altra Operations Center
1700 Oak Forest Dr., Onalaska, WI

The sinking of the USAT Dorchester in the icy waters off Greenland shortly after midnight on February 3, 1943, was one of the worst sea disasters of World War II. It was also the occasion of an astounding feat of heroism—and faith.

As water gushed through a hole in the engine room made by a German torpedo, four chaplains—members of different faiths but linked by bonds of friendship and devotion—moved quietly among the men onboard. Preaching bravery, the chaplains distributed life jackets, including their own. In the end, these four men went down with the ship, their arms linked in spiritual solidarity, their voices raised in prayer.

Please invite a guest and join us for a Memoir of the Four Chaplains of the USAT Dorchester. Attendees are also encouraged to participate in the retelling of the event (if you wish). Light refreshments will be provided, and no registration is required.

The Prime Times Social Club is sponsored by Altra Federal Credit Union and is open to all La Crosse, Wisconsin-area residents age 50 and over. Altra membership is not required. The Club holds free monthly meetings on a wide variety of topics meant to educate and entertain, with complimentary refreshments provided by Altra. Group outings are also scheduled throughout the year.