10-273 Garand Picture of the Day Dec 5

[Snafu]

Mark still has PC troubles
I am filling in for a while

Commander Joseph T. O'Callahan, USNR(ChC),
Catholic Chaplain of U.S.Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42)

Celebrates military Mass at the high altar of the Candaleria Cathedral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while Franklin D. Roosevelt was visiting that city during her shakedown cruise, February 1946. Members of the ship's crew are assisting Commander O'Callahan.
Note Marines at left, one holding an M1 Rifle.
Photograph was released for publication on 18 March 1946.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.


Medal of Honor citation of Lieutenant Commander Joseph Timothy O'Callahan (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 231):


"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, Lieutenant Commander 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 fire-fighting 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, Lieutenant Commander 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."

Information

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[Bill Hollinger]

Thanks for stepping up. I really missed seeing all the pictures. Great story also.

[Badger]

Thanks for stepping up. I really missed seeing all the pictures. Great story also.

Yes, thanks snafu ...

Regards,
Doug

[Bob Womack]

...and I third that!

[oscarlovel]

Never mind. I should read before I write.