Samuel David Dealey was born on 13 September 1906 in Dallas, Texas. He was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy from that same state and graduated in June 1930. Dealey was commissioned an Ensign and reported for sea duty on board USS Nevada, where he was promoted in June 1933 to Lieutenant Junior Grade. In March 1934, he briefly transferred to USS Rathburne, then reported that Summer for submarine training at the Submarine School, New London, Connecticut. After graduating, he served on board the submarines USS S-34 and USS S-24. Remaining on sea duty, he reported on board USS Nautilius then USS Bass.
In May 1937, he was assigned as Aide to the Executive Officer at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. While at the Naval Air Station, he was promoted in June 1938 to Lieutenant. In the Summer of 1939, he was assigned as the Executive Officer on board USS Wyoming, transferring to be the Executive Officer on board USS Reuben James. In April 1941, he reported to Experimental Division One for duty as the Prospective Commanding Officer of USS S-20, which he commanded for two years and served upon during the United States' entry into World War II. In June 1942, he was temporarily promoted to Lieutenant Commander. After additional training at the Prospective Submarine Commanding Officers School at Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, he reported to help fit out then command USS Harder in December. Previously that October, he was temporarily promoted to Commander.
Under Dealey's command, Harder served in the Pacific and participated in six successful War Patrols. He is most noted for his leadership in the submarine's Fifth War Patrol when it operated in Japanese controlled waters off Tawi Tawi, Philippine Islands on 9-10 June 1944. During this time, Dealey valiantly led his men as they sunk five Japanese destroyers with five short-range torpedo attacks. On the morning of 24 August, Harder was sunk in Dasol Bay, Philippines by enemy depth charges on its Sixth War Patrol. There were no survivors and the crew was never recovered. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity " in sinking the Japanese destroyers during the Fifth War Patrol, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Samuel D. Dealey is listed on the American Battle Monuments Commission's Wall of the Dead at Manila Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.
USS Dealey (DE-1006), 1954-1972, was named after Commander Samuel D. Dealey.
This page features the only images we have concerning Samuel D. Dealey.
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Photo #: NH 76382 Commander Samuel D. Dealey, USN Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 174. Samuel D. Dealey was posthumuously awarded the Medal of Honorfor "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving as the Commanding Officer of USS Harder (SS-257) during her Fifth War Patrol. She was credited with sinking five Japanese destroyers in short-range torpedo attacks on 9-10 June 1944. On 24 August 1944, during their Sixth War Patrol, Harder, with Dealey and his entire crew, was lost to enemy action in Dasol Bay, Philippines. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 78KB; 580 x 765 pixels |
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Photo #: 80-G-81925 Commander Samuel D. Dealey, USN Wearing the Navy Cross presented to him by Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, Jr., USN, Commander, Submarines, Pacific Fleet, in ceremonies at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 19 October 1943. The award was made for "extraordinary heroism" as Commanding Officer of USS Harder (SS-257). While Dealey was in command, the submarine was credited with sinking a large amount of enemy shipping. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. Online Image: 63KB; 580 x 765 pixels Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system. |
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Photo #: NH 50510 Commander Samuel D. Dealey, USN Who was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while in command of USS Harder (SS-257) during her Fifth War Patrol, June 1944, when she sank three enemy destroyers and was credited with heavily damaged or sinking two others. For her performance during six successful war patrols, Harder was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and earned the nickname "Hit 'Em Again, Harder." U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 63KB; 495 x 765 pixels |
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Medal of Honor citation of Commander Samuel David Dealey, USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 174): |
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Page made 22 June 2008