Daniel Judson Callaghan | |
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![]() Callaghan on the bridge of USS San Francisco in 1942 | |
Nickname(s) | Dan |
Born | San Francisco, California, US | July 26, 1890
Died | November 13, 1942 off Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands | (aged 52)
Place of burial | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/ | ![]() |
Years of service | 1911–1942 |
Rank | ![]() |
Unit | Task Force 67 |
Commands | USS Truxtun USS San Francisco Task Group 67.4 |
Battles/wars | |
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 United States Navy officer who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. In a three-decades-long career, he served his country in two wars. 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.[1] A few years later, he returned to command duties during the early stages of World War II. An enemy shell killed Callaghan on the bridge of his flagship, USS San Francisco, during a surface action against a larger Japanese force off Savo Island. He was the third of five US Navy admirals killed in battle during WWII, including: Isaac C. Kidd (1941, Attack on Pearl Harbor); Norman Scott (earlier on same night, in same battle, as Callaghan); Henry M. Mullinnix (1943, Battle of Makin); and Theodore E. Chandler (1945, invasion of Lingayen Gulf).
The battle ended in a strategic victory for the Allied side.