b. 15/07/1900 near Newmaud, Scotland. d. 29/12/1973 Couldersport, Pennsylvania.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 23/05/1939 Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
James H McDonald MOH
James McDonald 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. From May to September 1939, he was heavily involved in rescue and salvage efforts on the USS Squalus. Four members of the salvage team were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during that operation. James McDonald, then a Chief Metalsmith, and three fellow divers (Chief Machinist’s Mate William Badders, Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski, and Chief Boatswain’s Mate Orson L. Crandall) received their Medals of Honor from Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison during a ceremony held at the Navy Department offices on January 19, 1940.
Continuing his Naval service into World War II, McDonald became a commissioned officer. He retired after the war with the rank of Lieutenant.
MOH CITATION:
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.
BURIAL LOCATION: FISHING CREEK CEMETERY, ROULETTE, PENNSYLVANIA.
60-B
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
