Chaplain's Medal for Heroism

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The Chaplain's Medal for Heroism is a decoration of the United States military which was authorized by an act of the United States Congress on January 18, 1961. Also known as the Chaplain's Medal of Honor and the Four Chaplains' Medal, the decoration commemorates the actions of four United States military chaplains who gave their lives in the line of duty on February 3, 1943.

[edit] The Four Chaplains

The chaplains in question were four United States Army officers: Lieutenants Rev. George L. Fox (Methodist); Rabbi Alexander D. Goode (Jewish); Fr. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic); and Rev. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed). The four chaplains were all sailing on the USAT Dorchester troop transport ship on 3 February 1943 when the vessel was torpedoed by the German U-Boat U-223. As the vessel sank, the four chaplains calmed the frightened soldiers and sailors, aided in the evacuation of the ship, and helped guide wounded men to safety. The chaplains also gave up their own life vests. They were last seen standing on deck with their arms linked, praying as the ship went down. All four of the chaplains were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Congress authorized The Chaplain’s Medal for Heroism in 1961. President Kennedy posthumously presented the award to the chaplains' families. The chaplains were also honored with a stamp issued in 1948 and by an act of the United States Congress, designating 3 February as "Four Chaplains Day."

Because the Chaplain’s Medal for Heroism has only been authorized posthumously, and only for one action, it is generally considered a commemorative decoration not intended for wear on a military uniform. The medal also does not appear on any military award precedence charts, although it is considered to be ranking just below the Medal of Honor. The Chaplain's Medal for Heroism could technically be awarded again, if Congress ever bestowed the decoration for future acts of heroism involving military chaplains.