God Bless those that serve our country .
Renowned sculptor, Dave McGary of Arizona has agreed to bring to life the powerful imagery found in the painting.
Dave McGary studied in Italy under the finest bronze craftsmen in the world and his sculptures are included in many public and private collections around the world, including the U.S. Capitol and V.P. Dick Cheney.
I love how the Canteen is supported by so many and how it truly is FRiends of the FReeper Canteen in so many ways.
I love what you wrote and help with research.Thank you my friend.
(((( hug )))
God bless our military
God bless the veterans
God bless Our families
God bless President Bush
God bless America!
Joseph Timothy O'Callahan was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on 14 May 1905. He joined the Jesuit Order of the Roman Catholic Church in 1922, after graduation from preparatory school, and subsequently received degrees from several institutions of higher learning. He was ordained in 1934, and was a Professor of Mathematics, Philosophy and Physics at Boston College in 1929-37, Professor of Philosophy at the Jesuit Seminary of Weston College in 1937-38 and Director of the Mathematics Department at Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1938-40.
Father O'Callahan was commissioned as a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) in the Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps in August 1940. He was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, in 1940-42, to the aircraft carrier Ranger in 1942-44 and to the Naval Air Stations at Alameda, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, into early 1945. Lieutenant Commander O'Callahan joined the the aircraft carrier Franklin in early March 1945. A few weeks later, when his ship was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack, he distinguished himself comforting the injured and leading damage control and ammunition jettisoning parties. The ship's Commanding Officer described O'Callahan as "the bravest man I ever saw". For his heroism on board Franklin, Lieutenant Commander O'Callahan was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Promoted to the rank of Commander in July 1945, O'Callahan served at the Navy Department and at the Naval Training Station, Newport, Rhode Island, until October 1945, when he reported on board the new aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1946, he served as Escort Chaplain as the body of the late Philippines President Manuel Quezon was carried from the United States to Manila. Released from active duty in November 1946, Commander O'Callahan returned to Holy Cross College as Professor of Philosophy. Upon his retirement from the Naval Reserve in November 1953, he was advanced to the rank of Captain on the basis of his combat awards. Joseph T. O'Callahan died at Worcester, Massachusetts, on 18 March 1964.
The escort ship USS O'Callahan (DE-1051, later FF-1051), 1968-1994, was named in honor of Joseph T. O'Callahan.
Here's a picture to add to today's thread:
Cick on the pic
If you're not too busy this Sunday morning, come join the thread and tell us a few of your stories when you were serving as a Chaplain during WWII, Korea, and 'Nam.
An excellent heartfelt tribute to these men and women.
Disregarding the intense enemy small arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about the battlefield administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to the wounded. When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to his arms and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly refused all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant Marines.
Upon encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy machine gun positioned approximately fifteen yards away, Lieutenant Capodanno rushed forward in a daring attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that instant, only inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machine gun fire. By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lieutenant Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
I would ask one thing - please pray for chaplains as they go about their vital ministry to soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen and women and their families.
I began my military career as a line officer in Viet Nam, and ended it as a chaplain. I was truly blessed to have served my country for 29 years. For the last 7 years, since I retired in Sept 95, I have been conducting weekly bible studies for military academy cadets (5 years with West Point, the last 2 years with the Air Force). Pray also for these future leaders.
Thanks, and God Bless all of you
MEMORIAL DAY: Four Brave Chaplains
Source: Catholic Order of Foresters magazine;
Published: June 2002; Author: Victor M. Parachin