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O'Callahan Society

The O'Callahan Society encourages and cultivates the traditions associated with the Jesuit, liberal arts education of military and naval officers.  We support the viability of the NROTC Unit at Holy Cross, comprised of students from Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic and Worcester State University.  We promote dialogue with these campus communities and recognize the military service of alumni. 

Back of person in uniform looking out of window

Become a Member

Society members are not only Navy and Marine Corps ROTC alumni of the College, but also alumni of the Air Force ROTC (formerly at Holy Cross, now at WPI) and veterans of all military services.  We also include non-alumni, friends and family who support these activities.  If you want to become a member, please add your name to our e-mail list by contacting us at ocallahan@holycross.edu


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Rev. Joseph T. O'Callahan, S.J.

Our Society honors the Rev. Joseph Timothy O’Callahan, S.J.  Fr. O'Callahan taught mathematics, physics and philosophy at Holy Cross before and after his service in World War II. The attack on the USS Franklin on March 19, 1945 was the occasion of Fr. O'Callahan's heroic deeds that resulted in his becoming the first Navy chaplain to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The medal and citation, now in the College's archives, were presented by President Harry S. Truman to him at the White House in 1946. 

Fr. O'Callahan died in 1964 and is buried in the Jesuit cemetery on campus.