U.S. NAVY SHIPS

This page features views of people involved with the Squalus' loss, salvage and the rescue of her survivors, in May - September 1939.

The "Online Library" includes individual presentation pages for one officer who was lost when USS Squalus sank on 23 May 1939, two officers who were closely involved with the rescue of her survivors and her subsequent salvage, and four Navy divers who were awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the rescue and salvage operation.

The officer lost when Squalus sank was:

• Ensign Joseph H. Patterson

The two officers closely involved with Squalus rescue and salvage operations were:

• Commander Charles B. Momsen
• Commander Allan R. McCann

The four divers who received the Medal of Honor for their work during the Squalus rescue and salvage operations were:

• Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders
• Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall
• Chief Metalsmith James H. McDonald
• Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski
  

Additional views relating to USS SqualusUSS Sailfish (SS-192), 1939-1948. Named Squalus until 1940.

Click the photograph to prompt a larger view.

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 Hartley, USN, and Commander Allan R. McCann, USN. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Online Image: 103KB; 740 x 615 pixels
Photo #: NH 57334 Acting Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison (center) Reads a Letter of Commendation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to members of the USS Squalus (SS-192) salvage unit, in his Navy Department offices, 16 September 1939. Looking on are Commander Allan R. McCann, USN, (left) and Commander Charles B. Momsen, USN, (right). U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Online Image: 123KB; 740 x 610 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 History and Heritage Command. 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 History and Heritage Command. Online Image: 103KB; 740 x 615 pixels