Joseph Timothy O’Callahan-Worcester, MA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 42° 14.340 W 071° 48.420
19T E 268393 N 4680128
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action while on the USS Franklin near Kobe, Japan on March 19, 1945. He was in the Chaplain Corps and a Catholic Priest. He is buried in the College of the Holy Cross Cemetery, Worcester, MA.
Waymark Code: WMX5PH
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 12/01/2017
Views: 0
He was born on May 14, 1905 in Boston, MA and died on March 18, 1964 in Worcester MA. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: O'CALLAHAN, JOSEPH TIMOTHY
• Rank and organization: Commander (Chaplain Corps), U.S. Naval Reserve, U.S.S. Franklin
• Place and date: Near Kobe, Japan, 19 March 1945
• Entered service at: Massachusetts
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as chaplain on board the U.S.S. Franklin when that vessel was fiercely attacked by enemy Japanese aircraft during offensive operations near Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. A valiant and forceful leader, calmly braving the perilous barriers of flame and twisted metal to aid his men and his ship, Lt. Comdr. O'Callahan groped his way through smoke-filled corridors to the open flight deck and into the midst of violently exploding bombs, shells, rockets, and other armament. With the ship rocked by incessant explosions, with debris and fragments raining down and fires raging in ever-increasing fury, he ministered to the wounded and dying, comforting and encouraging men of all faiths; he organized and led firefighting crews into the blazing inferno on the flight deck; he directed the jettisoning of live ammunition and the flooding of the magazine; he manned a hose to cool hot, armed bombs rolling dangerously on the listing deck, continuing his efforts, despite searing, suffocating smoke which forced men to fall back gasping and imperiled others who replaced them. Serving with courage, fortitude, and deep spiritual strength, Lt. Comdr. O'Callahan inspired the gallant officers and men of the Franklin to fight heroically and with profound faith in the face of almost certain death and to return their stricken ship to port.
Armed Service: Navy
|
Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.