Name/Title
Miraculous Medal of Father Joseph O'CallahanDescription
Father Joseph O'Callahan's silver miraculous medal of the Virgin Mary on a chain. The back of the medal features an "M", surmounted by a cross with two hearts and twelve stars.
The front of the medal is engraved with the phrase "O Mary Conceived Without Sin Pray for Us Who Have Recourse To Thee 1830."Use
A religious tool used by Father Joseph O'Callahan both in his private meditations and his public duties aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13).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.Collection
USS FRANKLIN CV13/CVA13/CVS13/AVT8Acquisition
Accession
2002.00022Source or Donor
USS FRANKLIN CV-13 Museum Association, Inc.Acquisition Method
GiftUpdate Date
April 9, 2025
