RJ Harris and Members 1st Honor Veterans on Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day, November 11th, The RJ Harris Breakfast Show will honor all those who have served as we have done for so many years in the past. Unfortunately, we are still unable to hold a breakfast in person. To accommodate our commitment to honoring those Veteran's we have planned a show with interviews for various United State Military Branches.

In addition, we will collect online donations for the Chapel of Four Chaplains. See below to read about the selflessness of the Chaplains. You may click here to make a donation that will go directly to the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia. Since the late 1940’s the Chapel of the Four Chaplains has been telling the story of the Four Chaplains and encouraging selfless sacrifice and interfaith cooperation. On February 15, 2001, the Chapel of the Four Chaplains moved to 1201 Constitution Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19112 the site of a 1942 World War II Navy Chapel.

WHP and WRAW would like to THANK our Sponsors! Members 1st Federal Credit Union would like to thank all the men and women who have sacrificed their time, energy and lives to protect all of us and our freedom. At Members 1st our roots are military and we are proud to support many Veterans organizations in Central PA. To all of the veterans and their families we salute you and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

We are asking that you make a donation to the Chapel of Four Chaplains!

Here is the story in PDF

Lt. George Fox, a Methodist

Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish Rabbi

Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic Priest

Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister

WASHINGTON (Jan. 28, 2014) -- It was Feb. 3, 1943, and the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was one of three ships in a convoy, moving across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to an American base in Greenland. A converted luxury liner, the Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seamen and civilian workers.

It was only 150 miles from its destination when shortly after midnight, an officer aboard the German submarine U2 spotted it. After identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire. The hit was decisive, striking the ship, far below the water line. The initial blast killed scores of men and seriously wounded many more.

Others, stunned by the explosion were groping in the darkness. Panic and chaos quickly set in! Men were screaming, others crying or franticly trying to get lifeboats off the ship.

Through the pandemonium, four men spread out among the Soldiers, calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented toward safety. They were four Army chaplains,

  • Lt. George Fox, a Methodist;
  • Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish Rabbi;
  • Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic Priest;
  • and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister.

Quickly and quietly, the four chaplains worked to bring calm to the men. As soldiers began to find their way to the deck of the ship, many were still in their underwear, where they were confronted by the cold winds blowing down from the arctic.

Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, reeling from the cold, headed back towards his cabin. "Where are you going?" a voice of calm in the sea of distressed asked. "To get my gloves," Mahoney replied. "Here, take these," said Rabbi Goode as he handed a pair of gloves to the young officer. "I can't take those gloves," Mahoney replied. "Never mind," the Rabbi responded. "I have two pairs." It was only long after that Mahoney realized that the chaplain never intended to leave the ship.

Once topside, the chaplains opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed an astonishing sight. When there were no more lifejackets in the storage room, the chaplains simultaneously removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. When giving their life jackets, Rabbi Goode did not call out for a Jew; Father Washington did not call out for a Catholic; nor did Fox or Poling call out for a Protestant. They simply gave their life jackets to the next man in line. One survivor would later say, "It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven."

As the ship went down, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains -- arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. Their voices could also be heard offering prayers and singing hymns.

Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, only 230 survived. Before boarding the Dorchester back in January, Chaplain Poling had asked his father to pray for him, "Not for my safe return, that wouldn't be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty...never be a coward...and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate."

Although the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were later awarded posthumously, Congress wished to confer the Medal of Honor but was blocked by the stringent requirements which required heroism performed under fire. So a posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, The Four Chaplains' Medal, was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President on January 18, 1961.

It was never given before and will never be given again.

>>Many Discounted or Free Items Offered for Veterans Thursday

(Harrisburg, PA) -- Thursday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day and in honor of the men and women who have served and are serving our country, restaurants and businesses across the state are ready to serve them. Many national restaurant chains are offering free meals to vets, and some are even extending those to family members. Locally, Sheetz convenience stores are offering free sandwiches and car washes to vets and active military Thursday. Military ID is required to receive the discounts.

There are businesses giving discounts and free offerings to Veterans. Find the list here!


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content