IF Not Now, When?

A Book with some reference to naval gunfire support in late 1972 AND a great read about a truly amazing Medal of Honor recipient. IF NOT NOW, WHEN??

Reunion Bull Session

This is a series of discussions and commentary among some of the attendees at the reunion in Boston in 2008. It may be random, but you might enjoy the feeling of being there.

Andy is NOT REALLY Andy

Andy Anderson was a 1c PO in O'Callahan as a plankowner. His sea stories are legendary. In this recording he explains how he is not really even who we think he is.

USS O'Callahan at filming of TORA TORA TORA

This audio of Andy Anderson tells of events in Pearl Harbor during the filming of Tora Tora Tora. Bear in mind, Anderson was a 10 year old in PH when the actual attack occurred.

Andy-10year old at Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor was a bad day. Three houses from the gate, lived 10 year old Andy Anderson. His dad served in a ship in the harbor. This is an oral history from the eyes of a young boy who was witness to the attack.  (I am trying to relocate these original recordings to REPOST to another cloud source)

Reunion 2008 - Report

The Boston choice was excellent. Using the "Y" on the old Navy Yard was a great idea and saved a lot of money. It was close to the Constitution, Bunker Hill, Restaurants and transportation. There was some discussion of Buffalo, NY in two years but the strong favorite was Nashville, TN. Capt Brown, CO for the commissioning (40 years ago) was there. A few sailors from most eras were present. See the photos link to see some of the people and sights. Joseph Allen who was the cook in his service in the ship made a superb if somewhat gruff taskmaster for the event and it is largely his and Andy Anderson's efforts that made the event memorable for us all. Tom Morrison, from California founded this organization but could not attend due to a heart problem the week before the event. He put a lot of effort into this but could not be with us. We all have high hopes for his early recovery and presence at the next reunion. A longer report will follow.

Vietnam - Naval GFS

1972-73 NGFS missions and radio conversation with ships and spotters.

A Tin Can in Vietnam 1

Typical Gunfire Support missions by USS O'Callahan DE-1051 with other ships on the gunline near the DMZ the end days of the Vietnam War.

2008 Reunion News

The U.S.S. O'Callahan's next reunion willb e held in Boston, Mass, in 2008, at the Charleston Navy yard, from July 11th to the 14th. Boston has been picked to celebrate our 40th year anniversary of the O'Callahan's commissioning which was July 13th, 1968.

Room Accomodations have been arranged and will be at the CONSTITUTION INN which is in the Navy Yard. The rooms will cost $79.00 per day. If you wish to come early or stay later than our reunion dates, the rate will remain the same - BUT you will need to make arrangements with the inn when you make your reservations. Our banquet site has not been decided yet.

There are restaurants in the Navy Yard as well as in and around Boston proper for your convenience aside from the banquet.

The Navy Yard houses the U.S.S. Constitution and the U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD 973), both historical landmarks open to tours. The Navy Yard is still functioning.

Are you all interested in our "White Elephant Auction"? It would help make money for our collapsing bank account. We are open to suggestions of any kind to help make this a great reunion. You can email Joseph Allen or add a comment about this or anything else below this post in the "comments" link. Information regarding Boston can be obtained from the Boston convention and Visitors' Bureau, Two Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116 or at www.bostonusa.com or www.massvacations.com.

If you know of other shipmates who served on O'Callahan please contact them with this information and have them contact Joe Allen at 1-608-289-1035 or at jha218@charter.net. Our next newsletter is scheduled for June 2007 for all paid up shipmates. All letters will also be posted here, from our webstite at www.ussocallahan.org. There is also a forum discussion board at the main website. Submitted by VP/Treasurer - Joseph Allen

USS Franklin and USS O'Callahan

Bob Blanchard unknowingly became part of an iconic photograph of the war in the Pacific. This video tells the story of Medal of Honor recipients, Fr. Joseph O'Callahan and Lt. Gary. These kinds of videos from Buzz Creek will soon be compiled in a "veterans channel" on me3tv.org. More References on this event: USS Franklin (see links at bottom of article) - USS Gary and USS O'Callahan. Of note- In one of the photos shown in this video - two carriers are shown on fire. The other is USS Beleau Wood but the photo is from the prior year in October 1944 when both Belleau Wood and Franklin were hit by kamikazis. ANOTHER FRANLIN CONNECTION.