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.
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
 |