Rear Admiral Daniel Judson Callaghan was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions between November 12 and 13, 1942 in Iron Bottom Sound, Savo Island, Solomon Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. San Francisco (flagship). Callaghan was 52 years old.
Callaghan was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. 3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on December 9, 1942.
Callaghan was born on July 26, 1890 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California. His Medal of Honor is credited to Oakland, Alameda County, California. He is buried at A.B.M.C. Manila Cemetery.
Callaghan is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 142 credited to California.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 12 to 13 November 1942. Although outbalanced in strength and numbers by a desperate and determined enemy, Rear Adm. 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (November 13, 1942).
- Age at death: 52
- Resting place: A.B.M.C. Manila Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Daniel Judson Callaghan received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II, World War I.
Life beyond the battlefield
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in California →
Timeline
- July 26, 1890Born in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California
- November 12 - 13, 1942Act of valor — Iron Bottom Sound, Savo Island, Solomon IslandsAge 52. U.S.S. San Francisco (flagship) Killed in action.
- December 9, 1942Medal of Honor presented posthumously
- Resting placeA.B.M.C. Manila Cemetery
Biography
Daniel Judson Callaghan (July 26, 1890 – November 13, 1942) was a United States Navy officer who served his country in two wars, in a three-decades-long career. Callaghan served on several ships during his first 20 years of service, including escort duties during World War I, and also filled some shore-based administrative roles. He later came to the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who appointed Callaghan as his naval aide in 1938. A few years later, he returned to command duties during the early stages of World War II.
From the Wikipedia article “Daniel J. Callaghan”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- USS Callaghan — destroyer
- USS Callaghan — guided missile destroyer
