During WW2, Lieutenant Commander Father Joseph O'Callahan, USN, was a chaplain onboard the carrier
Franklin when she was bombed off the coast of Japan in May 1945. The resulting fires virtually destroyed the entire ship and killed 742 men (the highest death toll for a ship that was not lost). Father O'Callahan bravely led rescue parties into burning compartments and then assisted in heaving smoldering ammunition over the side before it could explode. For his gallantry in these actions, he was the first chaplain to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
These are courageous, valiant men, and I am humbled and honored to read of their accomplishments.