Four Chaplains Commemoration

On February 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was struck by three German torpedoes, sinking into the North Atlantic Ocean and claiming the lives of over 670 service members. Aboard the ship were four military chaplains, including Illinois Wesleyan University alumnus Lt. George Fox '31. Amidst the chaos, the chaplains preached courage and calm, sacrificing their life jackets and ultimately their lives.  

The Four Chaplains Foundation was established to honor the selflessness of these four brave men and celebrate their giving spirit through the Legion of Honor Awards. These six honorable awards, including the Humanitarian Award, are given in recognition of a lifetime commitment to unconditional service, societal advancement, and just like IWU’s own Lt. George Fox ‘31, to Doing Well and Doing Good.

Join us as we salute IWU bravery and service, past and present, at the inaugural Four Chaplains Commemoration on February 3, 2026, where we’ll be honoring a current member of our alumni community with the Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award.

Learn more about the Four Chaplains story here.