On this day — gone but never forgotten.


Michael P. Callahan was born on April 11, 1948. He was the second son of John ("Jack") and Elizabeth ("Betty") Callahan. Mike had two brothers, Tim and Jack, and a younger sister named Mary.

Michael graduated from Wildwood High School in Wildwood, New Jersey, in 1967. He played football for the school team and also worked on the North Wildwood Beach Patrol during the summer of that year.

After finishing high school, Mike went on to study at Cape May Vocational School. He graduated in 1968 and was chosen as the class president.

Soon after graduation, Mike joined the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and reached the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4). On July 18, 1968, he was assigned to Company B, 4th Battalion.

He then received advanced training in infantry at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After a short visit home around Thanksgiving, he was sent to Vietnam.

In Vietnam, Mike served in Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, part of the 101st Airborne Division. On June 6, 1969, while leading a patrol, he was killed in action by enemy fire.

The Silver Star he received tells the story of his bravery:

On that day, Mike’s unit was trying to capture a North Vietnamese soldier who acted like he was surrendering. Suddenly, enemy machine guns opened fire from a hidden spot.

Knowing they had to stop the enemy, Specialist Callahan started shooting back and encouraged his team to do the same. He stayed in the open, drawing enemy fire away from his men while another group tried to sneak around and attack from the side. In doing so, he was hit and killed by enemy fire.

His courage and leadership helped save many of his fellow soldiers. His actions showed true bravery and dedication, bringing honor to himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Along with the Silver Star, Mike was also awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

In July 1969, the North Wildwood Beach Patrol started the Beschen-Callahan Memorial Lifeguard Races to honor Mike and Jimmy Beschen, another local lifeguard who also died in Vietnam. These races have now been held every year for more than 35 years.

Mike’s friend, George Coleman, is also remembered at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, NJ.

Mike’s older brother Jack, who also served in Vietnam, passed away on March 27, 2004, from health issues related to wounds he got during the war... continue reading 

 

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