World War II Honoree

Joseph T. O'Callaghan

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Dallas, Texas

Honored By

Grateful American

CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN ABOARD THE USS FRANKLIN WHEN IT SUFFERED A DEVASTATING DIVE BOMBER ATTACK ON MARCH 19, 1945. HE ORGANIZED AND DIRECTED FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE EFFORTS AND LED MEN DOWN BELOW TO WET DOWN MAGAZINES THAT THREATENED TO EXPLODE. HE ALSO GAVE LAST RITES TO WOUNDED SAILORS. HE RECEIVED THE MEDAL OF HONOR.