Daniel J. Callaghan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Daniel Judson Callaghan
Callaghan on the bridge of USS San Francisco in 1942
Nickname(s)	Dan
Born	(1890-07-26)July 26, 1890 San Francisco, California, US
Died	November 13, 1942(1942-11-13) (aged 52) off Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands
Place of burial	buried at sea in Ironbottom Sound off Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1911–1942
Rank	Rear admiral
Unit	Task Force 67
Commands held	USS Truxtun USS San Francisco Task Group 67.4
Battles/wars	World War I World War II Pacific War Guadalcanal campaign Naval Battle of Guadalcanal  †
Awards	Medal of Honor (posthumous) Distinguished Service Medal Purple Heart
Relations	William Callaghan (brother)

Daniel Judson Callaghan (July 26, 1890 – November 13, 1942) was a brave officer in the United States Navy. He was given the Medal of Honor after he died, for his amazing actions during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. He served his country for over 30 years and fought in two major wars.

Callaghan was killed during World War II while leading his ships against a larger Japanese force. This happened near Savo Island. He was on the bridge of his main ship, the USS San Francisco, when an enemy shell hit. He was one of five US Navy admirals who died in battle during World War II. Even though many leaders were lost, the battle was a big win for the Allied forces.

Early Life and Naval Start

Daniel Judson Callaghan was born in San Francisco, California, on July 26, 1890. His family was very religious. His younger brother, William Callaghan, also joined the US Navy later on. Both brothers went to Saint Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco.

Daniel then graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1911. His first job was on the USS California, where he was in charge of a gun turret. He became an ensign in May 1912.

USS Truxtun was one of Callaghan's early ships and later his first command.

USS San Francisco in 1945, the ship Callaghan commanded.

In 1913, he moved to the destroyer USS Truxtun. He was promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) in May 1915. Early in his career, he was known for being very careful and dedicated to his work. He was especially good at naval gunnery. One of his captains praised him, saying he was great at inspiring his team and improving their shooting skills.

Daniel married Mary Tormey in July 1914. Their son, Daniel Judson Callaghan Jr., was born in October 1915. Later, Callaghan became the commanding officer of the Truxtun.

Serving in World War I

In November 1916, Callaghan joined the cruiser USS New Orleans. When the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the New Orleans helped protect cargo ships sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. During this time, he met Ross McIntire, a doctor who would later become very important in his career.

Callaghan played a key role in rescuing a damaged British ocean liner near Ireland. Even when cables broke, he kept working with his crew to secure the ship. The New Orleans stayed with the damaged vessel for two days, pulling it out of danger.

USS Idaho during a practice drill around 1930.

After the war, he worked on assigning officers in the navy. In October 1920, Callaghan began serving on the new battleship USS Idaho. He was a fire control officer, helping to aim the ship's guns. He left the Idaho in June 1923 for two years of shore duty. Then, in May 1925, he became the first lieutenant on the battleship USS Colorado. The Colorado carried gold to Australia before returning to the US.

His next job was as gunnery officer on the battleship USS Mississippi. His captain, Thomas Hart, wrote that Callaghan was an "excellent" officer and highly successful in his role.

Callaghan left the Mississippi in July 1928. He was promoted to commander in June 1931. In 1938, US President Franklin Roosevelt asked his doctor, Ross McIntire, to suggest someone to be his Naval Aide. McIntire recommended Callaghan, who took the job in July 1938 and served for three years. He became a captain in October 1938.

World War II Heroism

In May 1941, as World War II was beginning, President Roosevelt allowed Callaghan to take command of the cruiser USS San Francisco. Roosevelt wrote that Callaghan was a great Naval Aide who handled many duties with skill.

In April 1942, Callaghan was promoted to rear admiral. He became the chief of staff for Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley, who commanded forces in the South Pacific.

On November 13, 1942, he led US naval forces against Japanese warships in the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. He was on the bridge of the USS San Francisco when enemy fire hit, killing him and many of his staff. He was the third US Navy admiral to die in action during World War II.

After Callaghan's death, Lieutenant Commander Bruce McCandless took command of the San Francisco. Earlier in the battle, Rear Admiral Norman Scott had also been killed. Despite losing two commanders and many staff members, the Allied forces won the battle.

Callaghan was buried at sea. He was survived by his wife, Mary Tormey Callaghan, and his son, Daniel Judson Callaghan Jr. His brother, William Callaghan, later became a vice admiral and the first captain of the battleship USS Missouri.

President Roosevelt ordered that both Rear Admirals Callaghan and Scott be given the Medal of Honor after their deaths.

Awards and Recognition

Before receiving the Medal of Honor, Callaghan was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He also received the World War I Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Medal of Honor Citation

Callaghan's Medal of Honor award recognized his "extraordinary heroism" during the battle off Savo Island. Even though his forces were outnumbered, he used clever tactics and led his ships bravely. His actions helped defeat a strong Japanese invasion fleet. He was killed while bravely directing operations from his ship's bridge. His courage and leadership were a great example for the US Naval Service. He gave his life defending his country. His son, Daniel Jr., accepted the medal for his father.

Legacy and Honors

The US Navy has named two ships after Daniel Callaghan:

• USS Callaghan (DD-792): This ship was launched in 1943 and was sponsored by Callaghan's widow. It was sunk in 1945 by a kamikaze attack.
• USS Callaghan (DDG-994): This ship was launched in 1981. It was part of a group of destroyers named after the four American admirals killed in World War II. It was later sold to Taiwan.

Callaghan's name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. Several places are named in his honor, including:

• Callaghan Hall at Officer Training Command in Newport, Rhode Island.
• The Callaghan Fitness Center at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.
• Admiral Callaghan Lane, a street in Vallejo, California.
• A monument in Lands End, San Francisco, which includes a part of the bridge from the USS San Francisco, honors him and his fellow sailors.

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II
• New Orleans-class cruiser
• Truxtun-class destroyer