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Father Joseph Timothy O'Callahan, Richard J. Dowling S.J.

Biographical resources

This reflection provides a biographical sketch of Rev. Joseph T. O'Callahan, S.J., a Jesuit priest who taught mathematics and physics at the College of the Holy Cross. During World War II, Fr. O'Callahan was commissioned as a chaplain in the United States Navy and was serving aboard the USS Franklin when the ship was attacked. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts following the attack, distinguishing him as the first military chaplain to receive such recognition. Dowling's thoughtful essay briefly recounts the vocational and military career, as well as the character of this devout and …