Medal of Honor Books This series of books contains the citations for ALL Medals of Honor awarded to that branch of service, with brief biographical data and photos of many of the recipients. Some of them also include citations for other awards, analysis of awards, data tables and analysis and more. These are LARGE volumes, each 8 1/2" x 11" and more than 500 pages each. Click on a book to find it on Amazon.com where you can find more details on what is contained in each book, as well as to get a free preview. Each volume is $24.95. Heroes in the War on Terrorism NAVY    -  MARINES   -  AIR FORCE   - ARMY O.E.F.  - ARMY O.I.F. These books contain the citations for nearly all of the awards of the Silve Star and higher to members of each branch of service in the War on Terrorism. Books include photos of most recipients, some biographical data, analysis of awards by rank, unit, date, and more. ENCYCLOPEDIA of AMERICAN MILITARY HEROES With the 5 Medal of Honor volumes above, these compilations comprise a virtual 28-volume ENCYCLOPEDIA of decorated American heroes(15,000 pages)  with award citations, history, tables & analysis, and detailed indexes of ACEs, FLAG OFFICERS, and more. (Click on any book to see it in Amazon.com - $24.95 Each Volume) United States Army Heroes Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medals 1873 - 1941 Korea Vietnam 1862 - 1960 RVN - Present United States Navy Heroes Navy Cross Silver Star Navy Corpsmen 1915 - 1941 WWII Korea - Present WWII United States Marine Corps Heroes Navy Cross Silver Star 1915 - WWII Korea - Present 1900 - 1941 WWII 1947 - Korea Vietnam - Present WINGS OF VALOR The Defining Generation Visit My AUTHOR PAGE

Full Text Citations For Award of
 
The Navy Cross
Interim 1919 - 1929  

 

2nd Haitian Campaign (1919-20)

BLANCHARD, JOHN D. Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), Date of Action: December 6, 1929 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to John D. Blanchard, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti)on the afternoon of 6 December 1929, while in command of a patrol composed of one Marine Gunner and twenty men of the U.S. Marine Corps serving with the Gendarmerie d'Haiti at the junction of the Grand Ravine and Grand Route de Torbeck, about one mile from the city of Aux Cayes. The patrol made contact with a mob of about 1,500 hostile Haitians armed with knives, machetes and coomacaques that was advancing on the city of Aux Cayes with the intention of entering the city to rob, burn and kill. The patrol advanced in an effort to peaceably disperse the mob which divided into four bodies, the main body facing the patrol about 175 yards distant and smaller bodies taking up positions in cane fields on each flank and in the rear of the patrol. When it was seen that persuasion was of no avail and that the mob was preparing to attack the patrol, a short burst of fire was directed at the main body while the can fields on the flanks were swept. This effective fire immediately broke up the threatened attack and caused the mob to disperse. Lieutenant Blanchard displayed commendable courage and forbearance in attempting to disperse the mob by peaceful means and, when the necessity arose, exhibited laudable presence of mind and leadership in promptly taking effective measures to quell the up-rising and save the lives of his patrol. The action of Lieutenant Blanchard undoubtedly prevented the sacking of the city of Aux Cayes and the pillage, fire and murder that would have followed. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 03976-1-3 (16 April 1930) ENTREKIN, EMERY L. Private, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), Date of Action: May 19, 1920 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Emery L. Entrekin, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), May 19, 1920. With total disregard of personal danger he attacked, with Captain Jesse L. Perkins and two other enlisted men, a band of about seventy-five armed bandits of the Mirebalais District, resulting in the death of the greatest bandit leader, Benoit Batraville, and the practical suppression of banditry throughout the District. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 154474 (19 May 1922) Born: at Bowdon, Georgia Home Town: Logan, Alabama HANNEKEN, HERMAN HENRY (First Award) First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), Date of Action: March 31 - April 1, 1920 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Herman Henry Hanneken, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism displayed on the night of March 31 - April 1, 1920, by advancing into the camp of Osiris Joseph, a notorious bandit leader, while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti). With admirable disregard of danger, Lieutenant Hanneken, leading a small detail, advanced to within about fifteen feet of Osiris Joseph, who was surrounded by his followers, shot and killed him, thereby ridding the country of a bandit who had long terrorized Northern Haiti. In addition to the courage displayed, the resourcefulness shown, and the careful planning necessary to accomplish his mission are worthy of the highest praise. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0392-3-1 (21 July 1921) Born: 6/23/1893 at St. Louis, Missouri Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri Other Award: Medal of Honor (1st Haitian), Navy Cross w/Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua) PASSMORE, WILLIAM F. Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), Date of Action: May 19, 1920 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to William F. Passmore, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), May 19, 1920. With total disregard of personal danger he attacked, with Captain Jesse L. Perkins and two other enlisted men, a band of about seventy-five armed bandits of the Mirebalais District, resulting in the death of the greatest bandit leader, Benoit Batraville, and the practical suppression of banditry throughout the District. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 79187 (19 May 1922) Born: at Hayesville, North Carolina Home Town: Atlanta, Georgia PAUL, WILLIAM First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines, Constabulary Detachment (Port au Prince, Haiti), Date of Action: May 12, 1930 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to William Paul, First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism on 12 May 1930 while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines in Haiti. In command of ten gardes, First Sergeant Paul accompanied a party of Government officials to Habitation Deck, Republic of Haiti, for the purpose of seizing state property on which the tenants refused to pay rent. Two hundred and fifty of these inhabitants were armed with machetes and spears and refused to permit the seizures. First Sergeant Paul was subjected to considerable danger in attempting to disarm the mob, and although he was struck on the head with a rock, knocked down and dazed, he continued to expose himself to personal danger. By his quick decision and excellent judgment he succeeded in escorting the party of Government officials to a place of safety and successfully executed his mission without firing into the mob. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 170264 (25 October 1930) Born: at Brooklyn, New York Home Town: New York, New York PERKINS, JESSE L. Captain, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), Date of Action: May 19, 1920 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Jesse L. Perkins, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), May 19, 1920. With total disregard of personal danger Captain Perkins attached almost single-handed a band of about seventy-five armed bandits of the Mirebalais District, resulting in the death of the greatest of the bandit leaders, Benoit Batraville, and the practical suppression of the disorder in the District. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0757 (19 May 1922) Born: at Fairfax, Missouri Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland RUSSELL, JOHN H. Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines, Date of Action: December 6, 1929 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to John H. Russell, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession in able administration of the First Provisional Brigade of Marines in Haiti, and for wisdom and tact in all his dealings with the officials of the Haitian Government and people. Born: 11/14/1872 at Mare Island, California Home Town: Coronado, California TAUBERT, ALBERT ADOLPH (First Award) Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), Date of Action: May 19, 1920 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Albert Adolph Taubert, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), May 19, 1920. With total disregard of personal danger he attacked, with Captain Jesse L. Perkins and two other enlisted men, a band of about seventy-five armed bandits of the Mirebalais District, resulting in the death of the greatest bandit leader, Benoit Batraville, and the practical suppression of banditry throughout the District. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 78838 (19 May 1922) Born: at Madison, Wisconsin Home Town: Madison, Wisconsin Other Award: Navy Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross (WWI) VILLARS, ROY L. Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti), Date of Action: April 16, 1920 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Roy L. Villars, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism displayed on April 16, 1920, in defending his post at Marche Canard, against greatly superior bandit forces, while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti). Corporal Villars' bravery and utter disregard for personal safety, in exposing himself to the enemy during three different assaults which occurred during the three- hour attack, and by his excellent handling of an automatic rifle, saved this brave garrison from annihilation until relief arrived. Corporal Villars personally killed the Chief of attacking bandit forces, General Vil-Jean, during one of the assaults, who had advanced to within three yards of his feet. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 114590 (21 July 1921) Born: at Glenwood, West Virginia Home Town: Proctorville, Ohio

 

Miscellaneous Awards (1924-26)

COUNTY, TIMOTHY Electrician Third Class, U.S. Navy (RF) S.S. Acoma Date of Action: February 10 & 11, 1919 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Timothy County, Electrician Third Class, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service when the S.S. Acoma was sinking in the hurricane on February 10 and 11, 1919. Country remained at his post and transmitted and received messages under the most trying conditions. CAVENAH, RUPERT O. Chief Machinist's Mate, U.S. Navy Subchaser C-223 Date of Action: June 12, 1924 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Rupert O. Cavenah, Chief Machinist's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism when he put out a shipboard fire and rescued a comrade on June 12, 1924, aboard Subchaser C-223. FOSTER, PAUL FREDERICK Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy Executive Officer, U.S.S. Trenton Date of Action: October 20, 1924 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Paul Frederick Foster, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on the occasion of the turret disaster on board the U.S.S. Trenton on October 20, 1924. Birth: 3/25/1889 - Wichita, KS Home Town: Wichita, KS Other Award: Medal of Honor (Vera Cruz) FRIED, GEORGE Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (R) Date of Action: January 24 - 28, 1926 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to George Fried, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on the occasion of the rescue of the crew of the British steamship Antinoe during a hurricane, January 24 to 28, 1926. GEARING, HILYER F. Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Date of Action: April 20, 1926 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Hilyer F. Gearing, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on the occasion of the battery explosion on board the submarine S-49.

 

Lake Denmark Fire (July 10, 1926)

NAVY RECIPIENTS *BROWN, EDWARD A. Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Edward A. Brown, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty. Although he realized the imminence of great peril, Lieutenant Commander Brown continued at his post in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. BROWN, HARRY C. Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: (Currently Not Available) *GATELY, JOSEPH M. Chief Gunner, U.S. Navy Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: (Currently Not Available) *SCHRADER, HERMAN C. Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: (Currently Not Available) MARINE CORPS RECIPIENTS ALFSON, ORLANDO M. Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Orlando M. Alfson, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. *BARKER, VIRGLE C. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Virgle C. Barker, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Private Barker continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 180971 (21 October 1926) Born: at Nicholas County, Kentucky Home Town: Mount Sterling, Kentucky BUSH, GEORGE J. G. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to George J. G. Bush, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although his sentry box was blown apart and he was thrown about thirty feet from it and was rendered unconscious, Private Bush, upon recovering, found the East Gate afire, placed a ladder against the high wire fence and assisted six civilians, including four children, to escape from the danger area. He remained on post until ordered out of the Depot for the purpose of assisting the Commandant's wife, Mrs. Dowling, to escape. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 191764 (18 November 1926) Born: at Ramsey, New Jersey Home Town: Jersey City, New Jersey *CLARKE, BURWELL H. Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Burwell H. Clarke, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he realized the imminence of great peril Captain Clarke continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0166-1 (21 October 1926) Born: at Morrilton, Arkansas Home Town: Morrilton, Arkansas *EIDSON, MASON D. Trumpeter, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Mason D. Eidson, Trumpeter, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Trumpeter Eidson continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 170349 (21 October 1926) Born: at Owensboro, Kentucky Home Town: Evansville, Indiana *GRAHAM, RALPH V. P. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Ralph V. P. Graham, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Private Graham continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 194018 (21 October 1926) Born: at Muskegon, Michigan Home Town: Fort Worth, Texas GRANGER, WARREN LAISE Quartermaster Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Warren Laise Granger, Quartermaster Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Quartermaster Sergeant Granger at the time of the first explosion was visiting some friends about two miles distant from the Naval Ammunition Depot, and immediately proceeded by automobile to the Main Cannon Gate of the Picatinny Arsenal, where he remained on duty for twenty-five hours while shells and debris were falling around the sentry box from which he was receiving and sending messages in connection with the disaster. His messages were the first official notification of the disaster. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 167990 (18 November 1926) Born: at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania *HARDAKER, MAURICE R. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Maurice R. Hardaker, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Private Hardaker continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 196199 (21 October 1926) Born: at Greenville, South Carolina Home Town: Galloway, Florida KENSICK, CASMER M. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Casmer M. Kensick, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril Private Kensick continued at his post aiding his Commanding Officer. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 196901 (21 October 1926) Born: at Dillonvale, Ohio Home Town: Detroit, Michigan LEWIS, MARVIN Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Marvin Lewis, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Corporal Lewis and five other Marines at 7:30 p.m., July 10, 1926, arrived at the Picatinny Arsenal but were unable to escape from the vicinity of the exploding magazines because of the fact that the only boat in sight was on the opposite side of the lake. Four of the men could not swim, therefore, Corporal Lewis although seriously injured about the neck and head swam the lake with Private John A. Pratt and then rowed back across the lake and assisted the remaining four men to escape with their lives. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 190525 (18 November 1926) Born: at Wichita, Kansas Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri *LITTLE, JOHN A. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to John A. Little, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Private Little continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 197604 (21 October 1926) Born: at Leon, New York Home Town: Little Valley, New York *MACKERT, HENRY D., JR. Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Henry D. Mackert, Jr., Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril Private First Class Mackert continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 184725 (21 October 1926) Born: at Brooklyn, New York Home Town: Richmond Hill, Long Island, New York *MONROE, JOHN W. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to John W. Monroe, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Private Monroe continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 176369 (21 October 1928) Born: at Stafford County, Virginia Home Town: Richmond, Virginia *POWELL, ERNEST Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Ernest Powell, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Private Powell continued at his post in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 189549 (21 October 1926) Born: at Lee County, Kentucky Home Town: Hamilton, Ohio *RACHFORD, FREDERICK J. Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Frederick J. Rachford, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Corporal Rachford continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 186577 (21 October 1926) Born: at Xenia, Ohio Home Town: Xenia, Ohio *WEBER, FRANK C. Private, U.S. Marine Corps Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, NJ Date of Action: July 10, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Frank C. Weber, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, N.J., on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Private Weber continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 191951 (21 October 1926) Born: at Cleveland, Ohio Home Town: Cleveland, Ohio ________________________ To see the ORIGINAL citation for the Navy Cross awarded to Maurice Hardaker click HERE

 

S-51 Rescue and Salvage (1926)

BADDERS, WILLIAM Engineman First Class, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to William Badders, Engineman First Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Born: 9/15/1900 at Harrisburg, Illinois Home Town: Indianapolis, Indiana Other Award: Medal of Honor (Squalus) CARR, WILLIAM J. (First Award) Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to William J. Carr, Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (S-4 Rescue) EADIE, THOMAS (First Award) Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas Eadie, Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Born: 4/7/1887 at Scotland Home Town: Newport, Rhode Island Other Award: Medal of Honor (S-4 Rescue), Navy Cross w/Gold Star (S-4 Rescue) EIBEN, JOSEPH (First Award) Chief Torpedoman's Mate, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph Eiben, Chief Torpedoman's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (S-4 Rescue), 2nd Gold Star (Sub Escape Device) FRAZER, JAMES W. Chief Torpedoman's Mate, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to James W. Frazer, Chief Torpedoman's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. HAWES, RICHARD ELLINGTON (First Award) Boatswain, U.S. Navy Executive Officer, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Richard Ellington Hawes, Boatswain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Born: 2/21/1894 at Thomson, Georgia Home Town: Thomson, Georgia Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (WWII) KELLEY, JOHN R. (First Award) Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to John R. Kelley, Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star ( S-4 Rescue) LOUGHMAN, WILLIAM FRANCIS (First Award) Chief Gunner, U.S. Navy Assistant Diving Supervisor, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to William Francis Loughman, Chief Gunner, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while acting as Assistant Diving Supervisor during the successful salvage operation of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (S-4 Rescue) SCHISSEL, SOLOMON Seaman Second Class, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Solomon Schissel, Seaman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a Seaman on board the U.S.S. Falcon, during the successful salvage operation of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. SMITH, FRANCIS G. Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Francis G. Smith, Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. WICKWIRE, WILLIAM S. (First Award) Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to William S. Wickwire, Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Born: 3/1/1893 at New York, New York Home Town: Providence, Rhode Island Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (S-4 Rescue) WILSON, RAYMOND C. (First Award) Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: October 16, 1925 - July 8, 1926 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Raymond C. Wilson, Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Diver, on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51, October 16, 1925 to July 8, 1926. Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (Sub Escape Device)

 

Nanking Affair (March - June, 1927)

HORN, CHARLES WILLIAM Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Navy Yangtze Patrol Date of Action: March 21 - 25, 1927 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Charles William Horn, Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Navy, for fearless devotion to duty as signalman in maintaining uninterrupted communications between the American consulate at Nanking and naval vessels anchored in the harbor, although constantly exposed to rifle fire from Chinese soldiers. TAYLOR, DENNIE D. Signalman First Class, U.S. Navy Yangtze Patrol, US Navy Date of Action: March 21 - 25, 1927 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Dennie D. Taylor, Signalman First Class, U.S. Navy, for fearless devotion to duty as signalman in maintaining uninterrupted communications between the American Consulate Nanking, China and the Naval vessels in the harbor, although constantly exposed to rifle and machine gun fire from Chinese soldiers. WARREN, HENRY O. Signalman, U.S. Navy Yangtze Patrol, US Navy Date of Action: March 21 - 25, 1927 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Henry O. Warren, Signalman, U.S. Navy, for fearless devotion to duty as signalman in maintaining uninterrupted communications between the American Consulate Nanking, China and the Naval vessels in the harbor, although constantly exposed to rifle and machine gun fire from Chinese soldiers. WILSON, JOHN D. Signalman First Class, U.S. Navy Yangtze Patrol, US Navy Date of Action: March 21 - 25, 1927 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to John D. Wilson, Signalman First Class, U.S. Navy, for fearless devotion to duty as signalman in maintaining uninterrupted communications between the American Consulate Nanking, China and the Naval vessels in the harbor, although constantly exposed to rifle and machine gun fire from Chinese soldiers.

 

S-4 Rescue and Salvage (1927)

CARR, WILLIAM J. (Second Award) Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to William J. Carr, Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4, sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Chief Boatswain's Mate Carr, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that period fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Other Award: Navy Cross (S-51 Rescue) CREGAN, GEORGE Commanding Officer, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Sagamore Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to George Cregan, Commanding Officer, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Sagamore throughout the salvage operations of the Submarine S-4, which sank off Provincetown, Massachusetts, on December 17, 1927. Born: 12/11/1886 at New York, New York Home Town: New York, New York Other Award: Medal of Honor (Vera Cruz, Mexico) CRILLEY, FRANK WILLIAM Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Frank William Crilley, Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4, sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Chief Gunner's Mate Crilley, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that period fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Born: 9/13/1883 at Trenton, New Jersey Home Town: , Pennsylvania Other Award: Medal of Honor (Peace Time Award) EADIE, THOMAS (Second Award) Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas Eadie, Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4 sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period, 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Eadie, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Born: 4/7/1887 at Scotland Home Town: Newport, Rhode Island Other Award: Medal of Honor (S-4 Rescue), Navy Cross (S-51 Rescue) EIBEN, JOSEPH (Second Award) Chief Torpedoman's Mate, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph Eiben, Chief Torpedoman's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4, sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Chief Torpedoman's Mate Eiben, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that period fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Other Award: Navy Cross (S-51Rescue), Navy Cross w/ 2nd Gold Star (Sub Escape Device) HARTLEY, HENRY Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Henry Hartley, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Falcon during the salvage operation of the S- 4, which sank on December 17, 1927 (December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928). KELLEY, JOHN R. (Second Award) Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to John R. Kelley, Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4, sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Chief Torpedoman Kelley, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that period fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Other Award: Navy Cross ( S-51 Rescue) LOUGHMAN, WILLIAM FRANCIS (Second Award) Chief Gunner, U.S. Navy Assistant Diving Supervisor, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to William Francis Loughman, Chief Gunner, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while acting as Assistant Diving Supervisor during the successful salvage operation of the S-4 in 1928. Other Award: Navy Cross (S-51 Rescue) MICHELS, FRED GEORGE (First Award) Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Fred George Michels, Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4, sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Chief Torpedoman Michels, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that period fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (S-4 Rescue) MICHELS, FRED GEORGE (Second Award) Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Diver, Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 18, 1927 Synopsis: The Navy Cross is presented to Fred George Michels, Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty on December 18, 1927, during the salvage operation of the S-4. Lieutenant Commander Michel dove 102 feet to connect an air line and in the process became tangled for over three hours. Other Award: Navy Cross (S-4 Rescue) TIBBALS, CLARENCE L. Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 : The Navy Cross is presented to Clarence L. Tibbals, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for WICKWIRE, WILLIAM S. (Second Award) Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy Submarine and Rescue Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2) Date of Action: December 17, 1927 - March 17, 1928 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to William S. Wickwire, Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4, sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Chief Gunner's Mate Wickwire, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that period fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Born: 3/1/1893 at New York, New York Home Town: Providence, Rhode Island Other Award: Navy Cross (S-51 Rescue)

 

Submarine Escape Device (1928 - 30)

Following the tragic accidents of two submarines in 1926 and the following year, during which all on board perished, the U.S.S. S-4 was salvaged following its sinking in 1927 and rebuilt as a floating laboratory. The S-4 was detached in June 1929 to serve as the Submarine Safety Test Unit experimental vessel under Charles Momsen, who had led in the salvage of the two recently lost submarines. In 1931 seven divers were awarded the Navy Cross for risking their lives in repeated tests of the "Momsen Lung," a breathing device under development by the Submarine Safety Test Unit to enable submariners to escape from a sunken submarine. Lieutenant Norman Ives, commander of the S-4, also received the Navy Cross for his distinguished service in this important development. We have not yet uncovered any of the citations for the commander of the S-4 or the seven Navy Divers who earned Navy Crosses for development and testing of the submarine Escape Device. (In fact, there may not be a citation, but simply an entry in U.S. Naval Records.) Below are the names of the eight men awarded Navy Crosses:  COMINSKI, S. J. Gunner's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: 1931 EIBEN, JOSEPH (Third Award) Chief Torpedoman's Mate, U.S. Navy Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: 1931 Other Award: Navy Cross (S-51 Rescue), Navy Cross w/Gold Star (S-4 Rescue) HOY, P. J. Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: 1931 IVES, NORMAN S. Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer, Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: October 16, 1928 - August 1, 1931 KALINOSKI, EDWARD Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: 1931 LINSO, JOHN Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: 1931 SYPHAX, ROY H. Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: 1931 WILSON, RAYMOND C. (Second Award) Chief Torpedoman, U.S. Navy Submarine Safety Test Unit, U.S.S. S-4 Date of Action: 1931 Other Award: Navy Cross (S-51 Rescue)

 

 

Please Contact Us if you have further information on any of these awards.

.