Medal of Honor: Daniel J. Callaghan – World War II – November 12–13, 1942

Name: Daniel Judson Callaghan
Rank: Rear Admiral
Organization: U.S. Navy
Command: Task Group 67.4, Cruiser–Destroyer Force
Place and Date: Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, off Savo Island, Solomon Islands – Night of 12–13 November 1942
Entered Service At: Oakland, California
Born: July 26, 1892 – San Francisco, California
Departed: November 13, 1942 (Killed in Action)
Accredited To: California
Other Award: Distinguished Service Medal

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Summary of Action

In the early hours of November 13, 1942, the night skies above Ironbottom Sound erupted with fire as a Japanese bombardment force closed on Guadalcanal. Their objective was clear — annihilate Henderson Field and crush the Marines holding the island.

Outnumbered and outgunned, Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan led a hastily assembled task group of cruisers and destroyers straight into the enemy formation. Radar contact came too late; the fight would be at point-blank range.

Amid the thunder of guns and exploding shells, Callaghan’s flagship, USS San Francisco, plunged into the maelstrom. From the bridge, he directed every move — maneuvering ships, calling fire, and rallying his captains over the din of battle. His calm voice and iron composure turned chaos into cohesion.

Though his force suffered devastating losses, the American ships broke the Japanese line, sinking or crippling multiple enemy vessels — including battleship Hiei — and forcing the invasion fleet to withdraw. Admiral Callaghan was killed on the bridge when San Francisco took direct hits, but his bold leadership saved Guadalcanal from destruction and marked a turning point in the Pacific campaign.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy.

Appointed from: California.

Other Navy award: Distinguished Service Medal.

For 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. Although out-balanced in strength and numbers by a desperate and determined enemy, Rear Adm. Callaghan, with ingenious tactical skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, led his forces into battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet, and to the consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese offensive. While faithfully directing close-range operations in the face of furious bombardment by superior enemy fire power, he was killed on the bridge of his flagship. His courageous initiative, inspiring leadership, and judicious foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the defense of his country.