Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed great dash and gallantry in an attack on a crater. He gallantly led his section forward, and, in face of strong resistance, bombed an enemy post and captured seventeen prisoners.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918
 

Military Medal

'For great gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on DECLINE COPSE, near ZONNEBEKE, East of YPRES on 26.10.17 He showed great skill and resource in the reorganisation which followed on the partial destruction of one platoon on the forming-up line, and during the attack displayed great bravery, skill and control. With a small party of men he captured a machine gun and 30 prisoners, and set a splendid example to his men throughout the operation.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

GREAT DASH DISPLAYED
Lance-Sergeant P. C. Callahan, of the 6th (Vic.) Battalion, has a
fine record of service, In the course of which he has won both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.
He is the son of Mr and Mrs J. Callahan, of Newtown, and enlisted on January 7, 1915. Joining the 6th Battalion, he took part in some of the hardest fighting on Gallipoli, including the Lone Pine charge, being mentioned in despatches by General Sir Ian Hamilton. In December 1915, he was invalided to Australia on account of illness, but, recovering, re-embarked for active service on September 11, 1916. Lance-Sergeant Callahan, as corporal, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in France on November 26 last year, for gallantry and devotion to duty. In an attack on a crater he showed great dash, leading his section forward in the face of strong resistance, bombing the enemy post, and capturing 17 prisoners. On February 1 this year he was again conspicuous, and later in that month was award ed the Military Medal. His brother, Walter, is also on active service.