No Greater Glory: The Four Immortal Chaplains and the Sinking of the Dorchester in World War II

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Summary: "Whoever Saves One Life is as if he Saves the Entire World"
Review: In this wonderfully written book, author Dan Kurzman describes how four army chaplains of different faiths banded together in a remarkable show of faith and courage as they, while giving up their own lives, helped others so that they might live.

The story begins with four army chaplains, each of different faiths, being placed aboard the U.S. troop ship Dorchester. Chaplain George Fox was a World War I hero who had recieved wounds that had not completely healed. Nevertheless, he volunteered to serve again in World War II. Chaplain Alexander Goode had a dream of uniting all people of all faiths. It was this drive for universal harmony that led him to enlist. Chaplain Clark Poling, the son of a famous evangelist, loved football and the spiritual world. He even had a conversation with God on a mountaintop, much like Moses. He enlisted to share his beliefs and enthusiasm with others. Finally, Chaplain John Washington, a priest from a struggling family, faked an eye exam so he would be allowed to serve. These brave men left behind wives and children so they could follow their heavenly calling to minister to our fighting men overseas.

God must have had a plan for each of the chaplains, as if by providence, each was assigned to the Dorchester. While on their way to Greenland, the Dorchester was forced to pass through an area known as "Torpedo Junction"; an area with a high concentration of German U-Boats. Shortly after midnight on the night of February 3, 1943, the German submarine U-223 launched three torpedos at the small convoy that the Dorchester was in. One of the torpedoes slammed into the side of the Dorchester. In a matter of minutes, the Dorchester had taken on a sharp list and was surely going to sink.

During this time, the four chaplains were passing out life jackets (even their own) and giving the men encouragement as the order to abandon ship was given. But a huge problem faced the men. The water temperature was barely above freezing, and after a period of about twenty minutes, hypothermia would set in. Many of the men had not followed the earlier order to put on their heavy clothes and lifejackets, so they had on only shorts and t-shirts as they went over the side. The chaplains, seemingly having made up their minds to remain on board, continued to provide encouragement and assistance until the Dorchester slid beneath the waves approximately 45 minutes after the torpedo hit. The chaplains, linked arm and arm and voices raised to heaven, went down with the ship, but not after each chaplain had surrendered their own life jacket so some other terrified soldier might live.

The task of rescuing the survivors fell upon the coast guard cutters screening the convoy. However, due to a procedural order, the cutters were not able to begin rescuing survivors immediately, for fear that the German submarine may still be in the area. Most of the men who died in the water passed away during this interval between the sinking and the beginning of rescue operations. Finally, the order was given to begin rescue, but by this time, the men had been exposed to the wind and water for almost an hour. Most had already died. This was a grievous error in not allowing the cutters to begin rescue earlier. As it was, the survivors who did make it were barely clinging to life with frozen arms, legs, and feet. Approximately 200 survivors were pulled from the icy water.

I've read numerous books about ship sinkings and rescues during World War II, and this book is definitely one of the best I've read. The chaplains' story and the sinking of the Dorchester is told in great detail, and the memories of the survivors make the reading that much more insightful. I give this book my highest recommendation. Read this book and discover the true story of four ordinary people who, through their trust in God, saved the souls of many others.

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Summary: An Immortal Story
Review: No Greater Glory is the story of four chaplains, who hearing a higher calling, all volunteered for service on the frontlines of the ETO. Unfortunately, on the way to Europe, the troop ship they were travelling on was sunk and they were killed when the ship went down. Even though I read this book months ago, I still have a vision of the "Four Immortal Chaplains" linked arm in arm, each praying to his own god, as the ship went down. How these four men lived their lives, how they died, what they stood for, and what they believed in is an amazing story and one that should be required reading for all.