Father O’Callahan

For more about Fr O'Callahan see Saving Big Ben, by John Satterfield, published in 2011. Much of it was researched at Holy Cross; the chapter titled The Room in Fenwick Hall focuses on his return to the campus.

March is the 60th anniversary of Fr O'Callahan's death.  

Below is the award that the O'Callahan Society presents each year to a senior NROTC midshipman who will be commissioned into the Navy or Marine Corps upon graduation.

Dear Midshipman 1/C

On behalf of the O’Callahan Society, we extend our congratulations on your selection as this year’s recipient of the above award. This award recognizes a graduating midshipman who demonstrates the personal qualities of Father O’Callahan. These qualities were exemplified throughout his life as a Jesuit priest, professor at the College and especially during his service during WWII as a naval officer and chaplain aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin.



Father O’Callahan died in March 1964, at age 58. He is buried in the Jesuit cemetery on the Holy Cross campus. The Holy Cross Jesuit community used a larger head stone to include:

Hero, USS Franklin

19 Mar 1945

First Naval Chaplain Awarded

Medal of Honor

The Reverend Raymond J. Swords S.J., President of the College and Rector of the Jesuit community initiated this award in April 1964 at the annual President’s Review of the midshipmen battalion.



The O’Callahan Society provides a small replica of the Father O’Callahan Memorial Bowl on display in the O’Callahan Room in the NROTC spaces in Carlin Hall.



It is also our pleasure to also provide ‘Saving Big Ben, The USS Franklin and Father Joseph T. O’Callahan’ by John Satterfield, U.S. Naval Institute, 2011. Much of this biography was researched in the Holy Cross archives.



Best wishes and anchors aweigh!