February 21, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Several local residents and one organization were inducted into the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor in a service held Saturday at the American Legion Post 16 in Roseburg.

Retired military members Jim Little and Jim Barnett organized the service, which has been held for 10 years.

The event included a remembrance of the events that took place in February of 1943 when four chaplains gave up their life vests, and ultimately their lives, so that four soldiers could escape the U.S.A.T. Dorchester when it was torpedoed off the coast of Greenland. 672 people died when the vessel sunk.

Eventually the Chapel of Four Chaplains was formed to honor their memory and to recognize others who have served to help their community.

Inductees into the Legion of Honor included Lee Paterson, Kimberly Jasper, Ron Dukes, Ann Barnett, Carmen Little, and Heidi Wood. The Cow Creek Tribe was inducted into the Business Legion of Honor. Treasurer Robert Van Norman accepted the award. Conner Doppelmayer was inducted into the Junior Legion of Honor. Jim Little will be receiving the Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion Award. Jim Barnett made the announcement at the end of the service, surprising Little. The actual award will be sent at a later date.

About 100 people attended the service including a number of public officials.