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Michael Kohan (Mikey), ATCS
to remember
Callaghan, Daniel Judson (Dan), RADM.
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Casualty Info
Home Town San Francisco, CA
Last Address USS San Francisco in the Pacific.
Casualty Date Nov 13, 1942
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location Pacific Ocean
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Buried at Sea, Pacific Ocean
Wall/Plot Coordinates buried at sea in Ironbottom Sound off Guadalcanal
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
At 1416 on 12 November 1942, an already-damaged torpedo bomber dropped its torpedo off San Francisco's starboard quarter. The torpedo passed alongside, but the plane crashed into San Francisco's control aft, swung around that structure, and plunged over the port side into the sea.
15 men were killed, 29 wounded, and one missing. Control aft was demolished. The ship's secondary command post, Battle Two, was burned out but was reestablished by dark. The after anti-aircraft director and radar were put out of commission. Three 20 mm mounts were destroyed. The wounded were transferred to President Jackson, just before the approach of an enemy surface force was reported.
RADM Callaghan was killed in action and buried at sea.
Comments/Citation:
Medal of Honor
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38)
Citation: "The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Daniel Judson Callaghan (NSN: 0-7635), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on board the U.S.S. San Francisco, during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 12 - 13 November 1942.
...
Although out-balanced in strength and numbers by a desperate and determined enemy, Rear Admiral Callaghan, with ingenious tactical skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, led his forces into battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet, and to the consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese offensive.
...
While faithfully directing close-range operations in the face of furious bombardment by superior enemy firepower, he was killed on the bridge of his flagship.
...
His courageous initiative, inspiring leadership, and judicious foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the defense of his country."
Two ships of the United States Navy have borne the name Callaghan, in honor of Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan.
USS Callaghan (DD-792), was a Fletcher-class destroyer, launched in 1943 and sunk during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.
USS Callaghan (DDG-994), was a Kidd-class guided missile destroyer, launched in 1979 and struck in 1998.
