Rev. Joseph Timothy O’Callahan, S.J. 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 Father 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 the campus.