Title
Battle Helmet of Father Joseph O'Callahan
Description
An olive-drab M1-style battle helmet with a white cross painted on the front. A leather strap is secured across the front.
Collection
USS FRANKLIN CV13/CVA13/CVS13/AVT8
Context
"I am not a religious man, but during the height of combat, while I watched your son, I said aloud then, as you say now, 'If Faith can do that for a man, there must be something to it." - Captain Leslie Gehres speaking to Father O'Callahan's mother after the USS Franklin (CV-13) returned to the United States.
Father Joseph O'Callahan was the Chaplain aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13) during World War II. Father O'Callahan was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the March 19th, 1945 attack during which he not only ministered to the dying and wounded, but also assisted in jettisoning hot bombs and shells, created and let a damage control party to prevent shipboard ammunitions from exploding, and led firefighting crews.
Father Joseph O'Callahan was the Chaplain aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13) during World War II. Father O'Callahan was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the March 19th, 1945 attack during which he not only ministered to the dying and wounded, but also assisted in jettisoning hot bombs and shells, created and let a damage control party to prevent shipboard ammunitions from exploding, and led firefighting crews.
Accession #
2002.00022
