Western Fumigation’s DeChristopher Recognized with ‘Legion of Honor Award’

(From left to right) Karen DeChristopher, Barbara Hunter, Don Chrobak and Dennis Rochford pose for photos after the event

ESSINGTON, Pa. — The Chapel of Four Chaplains and the Legion of Honor award were inspired by the courageous acts of the four Army Chaplains who were serving aboard the United States Army Transport (U.S.A.T.) Dorchester when it was torpedoed by a German submarine. It sank in the North Atlantic on February 3, 1943 during WWII. The four Army chaplains, Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed, gave up their life jackets so that others could live. They calmed the frightened and guided the disoriented towards the lifeboats. In that spirit of service to others, Karen DeChristopher of Western Fumigation, joined the ranks of others who have been presented this prestigious award.

The Legion of Honor program was established shortly after President Harry S. Truman dedicated the organization in 1951 to publicly recognize people who have made exceptional contributions without regard to race or faith. Recipients of this award become a permanent part of the Chapel’s records.

Dennis Rochford, president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay and Viola Bostic and executive director of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains presented the award to DeChristopher at a dinner event held at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia. Rochford read a statement written by Western’s Barbara Hunter, which cited that “Karen is one of those behind the scenes players who performs heroic deeds, quietly, and without seeking recognition. She is always there, regardless of the hour or the day of the week to support our team.

“Beyond her willingness, we have an individual in Karen who has made it her business to know our business, the port community and our clients. She knows what to do under fire and she does it with grace and patience.”

DeChristopher, a marketing administrator for Western, has been with the company since 1994. In addition, Ms. DeChristopher has been a volunteer for the American Cancer Society since 2002; and she has recently been invited to join her local Emergency Response Team. Western’s Don Chrobak, Barbara Hunter, Michael O’Connor, Kurt Reichert and DeChristopher’s family attended the event to celebrate her achievement.