Callahan
At Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, every service dog carries a name that honors sacrifice, dedication, and service. Callahan, one of our newest service dogs in training, donated to us by Kate King, is named in memory of Charles L. “Larry” Callahan, a Vietnam War helicopter pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. His story is one of bravery, love, and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Born on December 23, 1942, in Providence, Rhode Island, Larry grew up in Warwick with his parents and younger sister, Stephanie. Known for his athleticism, charm, and strong work ethic, he played football, worked at Almacs grocery store, and saved up to buy his first car. He was well-liked, talented in sports, and deeply dedicated to his family and community.
Larry originally planned to join his father in the automobile equipment business, but his path led him toward military service. After earning a business degree from Hudson College in Maine, he met and married the love of his life, Cheryl Noble, in 1967. Their happiness was soon interrupted when Larry received orders for Vietnam. Just a few months after their wedding, he trained as a helicopter pilot at Fort Wolters, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Alabama, before deploying on March 5, 1968.
As a warrant officer and helicopter pilot in C Company, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Larry flew dangerous missions, delivering supplies and evacuating wounded soldiers from combat zones. His skill and courage were evident every time he took to the skies.
On the night of July 21, 1968, Larry and his co-pilot volunteered for a high-risk mission to resupply ammunition to a trapped unit in Thua Thien, Vietnam. The unit was surrounded by hostile forces and under heavy fire. Larry’s UH-1H helicopter (tail number 67-17415) hovered over the landing zone, carefully sling-loading supplies to the unit on the ground.
As the mission unfolded, the helicopter came under fire, and a round struck the tail rotor, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control. In a final act of heroism, Larry and his crew fought to steer the failing aircraft away from the troops below, crashing approximately 150 meters away. All four men aboard were killed on impact.
At just 25 years old, Larry made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind his pregnant wife, Cheryl, his sister, his parents, and a family that would grow to include a daughter he never met, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Larry was awarded the Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Army Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross for his bravery and selflessness. He served a total of four months and 16 days in Vietnam.
Through Callahan’s journey, Larry Callahan’s legacy of service and sacrifice will live on. His memory will continue to inspire as this incredible dog trains to serve those who have served our country. We are honored to share Larry’s story and to give his name a new purpose—one that will change the life of a fellow veteran in need. Here is how you can get involved in carrying forward a legacy of bravery, dedication, and unwavering service:
Send a gift to Callahan from our Amazon Wishlist: https://bit.ly/4aRa2MX
Contribute to Callahan’s training or make a memorial gift: Support a Semper K9 Service Dog in Training: Donate
