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Photo # NH 57893:  Chief Metalsmith James H. McDonald wearing the Medal of Honor, January 1940

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

Lieutenant James H. McDonald, USN (1902-19??)

James Harper McDonald was born at New Mand, Scotland on 15 July 1902. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1920, was discharged three years later and reenlisted in February 1926. Trained as a metalsmith, and later as a diver, he was commended in 1928 and 1930 for his excellent diving work. McDonald was designated a Master Diver in October 1934. In May-September 1939, he was heavily involved in rescue and salvage efforts on the sunken submarine USS Squalus (SS-192). For his heroism and leadership during that operation, Chief Metalsmith McDonald was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Continuing his Naval service into World War II, McDonald became a commissioned officer. He retired after the war with the rank of Lieutenant.

This page features all the images we have concerning James H. McDonald.


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 57893

Chief Metalsmith James Harper McDonald, 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 a Master Diver at that time.

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

Online Image: 81KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 57894

Chief Metalsmith James Harper McDonald, 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 a Master Diver at that time.

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

Online Image: 76KB; 570 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 57333

Acting Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison
(left)

Reading Letter of Commendation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to several members of the USS Squalus (SS-192) salvage unit, in his Navy Department offices, 16 September 1939.
The others present are (from left to right):
Commander Charles B. Momsen, USN;
Chief Metalsmith J.H. McDonald, USN;
Chief Torpedoman W.H. Squire, USN;
Ship Fitter First Class H.H. Frye, USN;
Torpedoman First Class J.W. Thompson, USN;
Lieutenant Karl R. Wheland, USN;
Commander Henry Hartly, USN, and
Commander Allan R. McCann, USN.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 103KB; 740 x 615 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 Metalsmith James Harper McDonald (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 131):

"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, masterly skill, general efficiency and untiring 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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Page made 8 July 2000
Text corrected 12 October 2006