The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John Callahan (MCSN: 0-24149), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Amami Oshima, Ryukyu Islands, on 12 April 1945. When an enemy formation was detected approaching our surface units, First Lieutenant Callahan courageously attacked and shot down two hostile aircraft. Later, he flew alone to an enemy airfield and, within range of the enemy’s antiaircraft fire, destroyed another Japanese plane in aerial combat. His courage and superb airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.