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Chaplains, unsung war heroes, keeping up morale.
Chaplain O’Callahan hastily left his unfinished breakfast and made his way through the shambles of smoke, flames, and torn steel to do what he could to comfort the wounded and steady the able-bodied. He seemed to be everywhere—helping, cajoling, inspiring. His quiet courage heartened all who came in contact with him, and the big white cross on his helmet became a beacon of hope for the dazed crew of the stricken ship.
“Look at the old man [Captain Leslie E. Gehres on the bridge] up there,” O’Callahan told the sailors. “Don’t let him down.”
Chaplain O’Callahan hastily left his unfinished breakfast and made his way through the shambles of smoke, flames, and torn steel to do what he could to comfort the wounded and steady the able-bodied. He seemed to be everywhere—helping, cajoling, inspiring. His quiet courage heartened all who came in contact with him, and the big white cross on his helmet became a beacon of hope for the dazed crew of the stricken ship.
“Look at the old man [Captain Leslie E. Gehres on the bridge] up there,” O’Callahan told the sailors. “Don’t let him down.”
USS Franklin and Father O’Callahan
Posted from warfarehistorynetwork.com
WWII World War Two
Chaplain
Morale
Posted 3 mo ago
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My grandfather was on this ship for a little while but transferred off for another ship before it went on that fateful mission.
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The Franklin was the most severely damaged carrier to survive an attack. Her captain and crew worked hard to keep the ship afloat. Chaplain Callahan provided the faith and access to the miracle.
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