Discover the Sacrifice and Service of U.S. Military Chaplains in Wartime

Chaplain Joseph Timothy O`Callahan exemplified the courage and self-sacrifice that have long characterized military chaplains. Throughout his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps, he faithfully ministered to the men under his care, but he is best remembered for his actions aboard the USS Franklin.

On March 19, 1945, the Franklin was operating near the coast of Honshu, Japan, launching air strikes against the Japanese mainland with approximately 3,400 crewmembers aboard. A Japanese aircraft broke through defenses and dropped bombs that penetrated the flight deck, triggering catastrophic explosions and fires throughout the ship. Hundreds were killed or wounded, and the intense heat threatened to detonate the ship`s remaining ordnance.

Despite his own injury, Chaplain O`Callahan rushed into action. He moved through smoke and flames to pray with and comfort the wounded, organized rescue efforts for trapped sailors, and helped direct firefighting and damage-control operations. At one point, he reportedly stood over an armed bomb to help protect it from sparks and fire that could have caused another devastating explosion.

Against all odds, O`Callahan survived, and his actions helped save countless lives. For his heroism aboard the Franklin, he became the first Navy chaplain to receive the Medal of Honor. When President Harry S. Truman presented him with the award, O`Callahan reportedly insisted that he had merely done his duty and that the honor belonged equally to the men who never returned home.

Even in the face of death, Chaplain Joseph O`Callahan demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion, and devotion to those he served.

Visit the Chaplains Museum to learn more about Chaplain O’Callahan and other brave, dedicated chaplains.

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“I can imagine a no more rewarding career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: "I served in the United States Navy." -John F. Kennedy

For 251 years, the chaplains of the United States Navy have tended to the souls of Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen around the world. On the sea and in the field, the ministers of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps have demonstrated their commitment to the spiritual and physical needs of their flock in times of hardship and distress. For their valor, Navy chaplains have earned two Medals of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Silver Star. Five warships have borne the name of Navy chaplains, with one currently in service. From the Civil War to today, Sixteen Navy chaplains have given their lives in service to our nation.

The legacy of the Navy chaplain continues with their service. From chapel services on base to evening prayers at sea, the Chaplain’s Museum seeks to showcase the legacy of the ministers throughout our nation’s rich maritime history which reflects the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment.

Photo description: A Navy chaplain conducts church services for troops aboard a Coast Guard, manned assault transport bound for combat zones, using a five-inch gun mount for his pulpit.

Visit the Chaplains Museum to learn more about the history of Navy chaplains and their enduring legacy of service, courage, and sacrifice.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio. 
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The Chaplains Museum will be closed Thursday, October 15 through Saturday, October 17 for Fall Break.

Regular Fall semester hours resume Monday, October 19. …