Lincoln Park in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
This Memorial to Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan
[Main Marker - Mounted on base of the flag pole.]
This memorial to Rear Admiral Daniel Judson Callaghan, U.S.N. and his officers and men who gave their lives for our country, while fighting on board the USS San Francisco in the battle of Guadalcanal on the night of 12-15 November 1942, was formed from the bridge of their ship and were mounted on the great circle course to Guadalcanal by the grateful people of San Francisco on 12 November 1950.
[Second Marker:]
On 12 & 13 November 1942 in the most savage Naval engagement at close quarters in history the United States Navy decisively turned back the enemy at Guadalcanal.
Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan
and men of the U.S.S. San Francisco
who there gave their lives
for their country and for freedom.
15 November 1992
Erected 1950 by The People of San Francisco.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is November 12, 1942.
Location. 37° 46.97′ N, 122° 30.693′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Lincoln Park. Marker can be reached from El Camino Del Mar north of Sea Rock Drive , on the left when traveling north. The marker is located on the grounds of Fort Miley, a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area-Lands End. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94121, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Honored Dead (here, next to this marker); The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (here, next to this marker); FDR's Salute (here, next to this marker); Death of a Sailor (a few steps from this marker); Lands End (a few steps from this marker); Port of San Francisco (within shouting distance of this marker); The Golden Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Navigating the Golden Gate (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Additional commentary.
1. Medal of Honor Recipient Daniel J. Callaghan
Medal of Honor Citation-
Callaghan, Daniel Judson -
Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. Born: 26 July 1892, San Francisco, Calif. Appointed from: California. Entered service at: Oakland, Calif. Other Navy award: Distinguished Service Medal. Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 12-13 November 1942. Although out-balanced in strength and numbers by a desperate and determined enemy, Rear Adm. Callaghan, with ingenious tactical skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, led his forces into battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet, and to the consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese offensive. While faithfully directing close-range operations in the face of furious bombardment by superior enemy fire power, he was killed on the bridge of his flagship. His courageous initiative, inspiring leadership, and judicious foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the defense of his country.
— Submitted March 1, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 836 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 29, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on October 8, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.