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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 --

Lieutenant Orson L. Crandall, USN (1903-1960)

Orson Leon Crandall was born on 2 February 1903 at St. Joseph, Missouri. He enlisted in the Navy in June 1922, serving in several ships over the next decade. Trained as a diver in 1932-33 and designated a Master Diver in March 1939, he was serving in USS Falcon (ASR-2) when she supported the rescue and salvage effort on the sunken submarine Squalus (SS-192) in May-September 1939. Chief Boatswain's Mate Crandall was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism as Master Diver during that operation.

During World War II, Crandall became a commissioned officer and served in a variety of salvage and diving-related positions. He transferred to the Fleet Reserve in June 1946 and retired in December 1952. Lieutenant Orson L. Crandall died in May 1960.

USS Crandall (YHLC-2), 1967-1993, was named in honor of Lieutenant Crandall.

This page features all our images of Orson L. Crandall.


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 57889

Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall, 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 Master Diver on board USS Falcon (ASR-2) during that time.

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

Online Image: 66KB; 570 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 57890

Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall, 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 Master Diver on board USS Falcon (ASR-2) during that time.

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

Online Image: 70KB; 575 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 Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 130):

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a master diver throughout the rescue and salvage operations following the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus on 23 May 1939. His leadership and devotion to duty in directing diving operations and in making important and difficult dives under the most hazardous conditions characterize 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