Four Chaplains — New on SpiritClips

SpiritClips, a wonderful online resources for uplifting films, is premiering “Four Chaplains,” based on a true story of extraordinary heroism and sacrifice. In 1943, four Army chaplains of different faiths banded together to save military and civilian personnel aboard the sinking troop ship USAT Dorchester. In a time of crisis, these “Immortal Chaplains” demonstrated the common foundation of their religions: they gave selflessly to aid and comfort the men around them, giving up their lifejackets and sacrificing themselves so that others could live. They were Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed.

“Four Chaplains” is the SpiritClips directorial debut of James Hernandez, who also edited the documentaries “Excelsior” and “Flight of Honor.” The story appealed to James because he was raised around many religions and grew to appreciate their common values. In directing “Four Chaplains,” James strove to convey the chaos of that night and the fear and panic the men felt as the boat was sinking. With careful research and materials from The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation in Philadelphia, James pays tribute to these heroes.