Michael Patrick Callahan

Specialist Four
B CO, 1ST BN, 501ST INF RGT, 101 ABN DIV
Army Of The United States
11 April 1948 - 07 June 1969
Wildwood Crest, NJ
Panel 23W Line 097

Michael P Callahan
101 ABN DIV

501ST INF RGT
Silver Star

Combat Infantry

Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Michael Patrick Callahan

I would like to hear from anyone who served with my brother,

MIKE CALLAHAN

He is remembered by family and friends.

Visit the full memorial at
http://www.wildwoodbythesea.com/mike/


Department of the Army
Headquarters 101st Airborne Division

To: Michael P. Callahan, Specialist Four
Company B 1st Battalion (Airmobile) 501st Infantry
Awarded: Silver Star
Date Action: June 6, 1969
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1969. Specialist Callahan distinguished himself while serving as a team leader in Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, during the conduct of a search and clear operation near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. On the cited date, the lead element of Company B was attempting to capture a North Vietnamese Army soldier who gave the pretense of surrender. While capturing the insurgent, the company came under heavy enemy machine gun fire from a nearby position.

Realizing that the hostile emplacement must be silenced, Specialist Callahan began to place suppressive fire on the insurgents. Encouraging his men to do likewise, he remained in the open while attempting to gain fire superiority as another element of the company was maneuvering to outflank the insurgents. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Callahan continued to divert the enemy fire, thus providing cover for the main maneuvering element. It was during this courageous act that he was mortally wounded by hostile machine gun fire.

His outstanding leadership and courage were a major factor in saving many of his men from injury or possible death. Specialist Callahan's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.


Authority: By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.


A memorial from his brother,
Timothy Callahan
tcal10@hotmail.com 
19 May 2001



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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)