World War II Database

Daniel Judge Callahan was born in San Francisco, California, United States. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis from his home state of California. Well respected by those who served under him, enlisted men of the South Pacific often referred to Callahan as "Uncle Dan". During the Guadalcanal Campaign, a Japanese force was detected by the American Navy, and he was sent with an inferior force in attempt to slow or halt this hostile force. After the transports in the area escaped threat, his force engaged the Japanese forces in the morning hours of 13 Nov 1942. Battleship Hiei's high explosive shells, originally intended for bombardment of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, exploded all around Callahan's cruiser, killing the rear admiral. Although the battle dealt considerable damage on both sides, the battle was generally considered to be an American victory because the Japanese fleet was deprived of the opportunity to bombard Henderson Field, which allowed air operations next day to prevent a major reinforcement run by the Japanese. For his "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 12-13 November 1942", he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

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