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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders, USN (1901-19??)

William Badders was born in Harrisburg, Illinois, on 15 September 1901. He enrolled in the Naval Reserve in August 1918 and transferred to the regular Navy in December 1919. Later trained as a diver, Badders was awarded the Navy Cross for "extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty" during the salvage of USS S-51 (SS-162) in 1926. He was designated a Master Diver in April 1931 and received commendations for his diving work in salvaging USS S-4 (SS-109) in 1928 and the Japanese steamship Kaku Maru in 1932, and for clearing the propeller of USS Bittern (AM-36) at sea in 1933.

Chief Machinist's Mate Badders was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the rescue of survivors of USS Squalus (SS-192) and subsequent salvage of that submarine in 1939. He transferred to the Fleet Reserve in March 1940.

This page features all our images of William Badders.


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 57892

Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders, USN


Photographed on 19 January 1940, just after being presented with the Medal of Honor for heroism during rescue and salvage operations on USS Squalus (SS-192), following her accidental sinking on 23 May 1939.
He was Senior Member of the rescue chamber crew during the rescue of Squalus survivors on 24-25 May 1939 and served as a diver during the salvage effort.
Among his other medals are (from left): the Navy Cross, awarded for service during the salvage of USS S-51 in 1926; the World War I Victory Medal; and a Yangtse River Patrol Service Medal.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Online Image: 83KB; 575 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 57891

Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders, USN


Photographed on 19 January 1940, just after being presented with the Medal of Honor for heroism during rescue and salvage operations on USS Squalus (SS-192), following her accidental sinking on 23 May 1939.
He was Senior Member of the rescue chamber crew during the rescue of Squalus survivors on 24-25 May 1939 and served as a diver during the salvage effort.
Among his other medals are (from left): the Navy Cross, awarded for service during the salvage of USS S-51 in 1926; the World War I Victory Medal; and a Yangtse River Patrol Service Medal.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Online Image: 77KB; 570 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 57887

USS Squalus (SS-192) Rescue and Salvage Operations, 1939


Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison presents Medals of Honor to four men for heroism during rescue and salvage operations following the accidental sinking of Squalus on 23 May 1939. The ceremonies took place at the Navy Department on 19 January 1940.
The men are (from left to right):
Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders;
Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski;
Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall; and
Chief Metalsmith James Harper McDonald.
All were qualified as Divers. The Diver's distinguishing mark is visible on the Mihalowski's and Crandall's jacket sleeves.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Online Image: 102KB; 740 x 615 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 57888

USS Squalus (SS-192) Rescue and Salvage Operations, 1939


Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison congratulates four heros of the Squalus rescue and salvage operations after presenting them with Medals of Honor during ceremonies at the Navy Department on 19 January 1940.
The four men, all qualified as Divers, are (from left to right):
Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders;
Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski;
Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall; and
Chief Metalsmith James Harper McDonald.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Online Image: 103KB; 740 x 615 pixels

 


Medal of Honor citation of Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 129):

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the rescue and salvage operations following the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus on 23 May 1939. During the rescue operations, BADDERS, as senior member of the rescue chamber crew, made the last extremely hazardous trip of the rescue chamber to attempt to rescue any possible survivors in the flooded after portion of the Squalus. He was fully aware of the great danger involved in that if he and his assistant became incapacitated, there was no way in which either could be rescued. During the salvage operations, BADDERS made important and difficult dives under the most hazardous conditions. His outstanding performance of duty contributed much to the success of the operations and characterizes conduct far above and beyond the ordinary call of duty."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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7 July 2000