The stamp commemorated these four Army chaplains of different faiths who sacrificed their lives during the sinking of the SS Dorchester on 3 February 1943.
When a German torpedo slammed into the USAT Dorchester, the transport ship sank in under 20 minutes, plunging its more than 900 servicemen and civilians into chaos. Amidst the panic and terror, these four Army chaplains moved calmly among the men. They offered prayers, soothed the frightened, and guided the disoriented toward lifeboats.
When the supply of life jackets ran out, the chaplains removed their own and gave them to four young soldiers. Survivors last saw them standing on the slanting deck, arms linked in prayer and singing hymns, as the ship slipped beneath the icy Atlantic waters.
The central design featured the four chaplains above the sinking SS Dorchester. It included the inscriptions "These Immortal Chaplains..." and "Interfaith in Action" to honour their cooperation and sacrifice.
Because they did not meet the strict "under fire" requirements for the Medal of Honour at the time, Congress authorised a one-time Special Medal for Heroism (The Four Chaplains' Medal) in 1960, which was presented to their families in 1961.
Over 121 million stamps were originally printed. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing used a Rotary Press to print these grey black stamps.
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