Interim (1919-1929)  

1919 - 1929

2nd Nicaraguan

1929 - 1941

Statistics:

• A total of 85 Navy Crosses were awarded for actions from 1919 to 1929. 

  • 59 Navy

  • 25 Marine Corps

  •   1 Coast Guard

NC Trans-Atlantic Flights (May 8 - 27, 1919) 15 Navy Crosses During World War I the U.S. Navy used a 4-engine (3 in front and 1 behind pushing) Navy-Curtiss Flying Boat for anti-submarine patrols.  Shortly after the end of the war, four of these numbered NC-1 through NC-4 were tasked with attempting to make the first trans-Atlantic crossing.  NC-2 was cannibalized for parts when its engine layout proved unsatisfactory, thus on May 8, 1919, only three of the seaplanes was able to depart Rockaway, NY, in an effort to reach Lisbon, Portugal by way of New Foundland and the Azores Islands. The crews of all three flying boats braved unknown dangers and a myriad of emergencies, but on May 27 the NC-4 reached Lisbon, completing the first aerial crossing from North America to Europe.  The 4,526 mile journey was completed  in 53 hours, 58 minutes. Though neither NC-1 or NC-3 completed the mission, their crews demonstrated great initiative and courage.  The NC-1 went down at sea where the crew was rescued and the airplane sunken to avoid it becoming a hazard to shipping.  The crew of the NC-3 also went down at sea in a gale and was feared lost.  The courageous men endured two days in the battered airplane, wallowing in 30-foot waves.  The men drank rusty water from the radiators while NC-3 drifted backward for 200 miles to finally reach the Azores The crews of all three aircraft survived the history effort and were awarded the Navy Cross.  One crewman died after the flight but before the awards were presented. Name Rank/Rating Branch Aircraft Position Bellinger, Patrick N. L. Commander USN NC-1  Commander Mitcher, Marc Andrew Lieutenant Commander USN NC-1  Pilot *Barin, Louis T. Lieutenant USN NC-1  Co-Pilot Sadenwater, Harry Lieutenant USN NC-1  Radio Christensen, Rasmus Machinist USN NC-1  Engineer Kesler, Clarence Irwin Chief Machinist's Mate USN NC-1  Engineer Richardson, Holden B. Commander USN NC-3  Pilot McCulloch, David H. Lieutenant USN NC-3  Co-Pilot Lavender, Robert A. Lieutenant Commander USN NC-3  Radio Moore, Lloyd R. Boatswain USN NC-3  Engineer Stone, Elmer Fowler Lieutenant USCG NC-4  Pilot Hinton, Walter Lieutenant (j.g.) USN NC-4  Co-Pilot Rodd, Herbert C. Lieutenant (j.g.) USN NC-4  Radio Rhoades, Eugene S. Chief Machinist's Mate (Air) USN NC-1  Engineer Breese, James L. Lieutenant USN NC-4  Engineer  *Two members of the mission did not receive Navy Crosses for this action.  Mission Commander for the NC flights was Commander John H. Towers who also served as navigator for NC-3.  Towers did receive the Navy Cross during World War I for his work in Naval Aviation.  His broader citation may have been intended to cover his role in the trans-Atlantic flights as well. Lieutenant Commander Albert C. Read, who had initially been assigned to pilot the NC-2, was assigned as commander for the NC-4.  Though the success of his seaplane made him a national figure and brought great acclaim, he was not awarded the Navy Cross. Full Text Citations

 

Lake Denmark Fire  (July 10, 1926) 20 Navy Crosses (8 Posthumously) On July 10, 1926, the Lake Denmark Naval Ammunition Depot was struck by lightening causing massive damage, the deaths of nineteen, and scores injured.  Fortunately it was Saturday and most crews were out of the buildings most damaged in the explosion.  Twenty men received Navy Crosses for their heroism in the aftermath, which spread to numerous nearby buildings and rocked houses inside the town.  Eight of the men who were so recognized, died in their moment of valor. Name Rank/Rating Branch Date of Action   Alfson, Orlando M. Private First Class USMC July 10, 1926  *Barker, Virgle C. Private USMC July 10, 1926 *Brown, Edward A. Lieutenant Commander USN July 10, 1926   Brown, Harry C. Pharmacist's Mate First Class USN July 10, 1926   Bush, George J. G. Private USMC July 10, 1926 *Clarke, Burwell H. Captain USMC July 10, 1926 *Eidson, Mason D. Trumpeter USMC July 10, 1926 *Gately, Joseph M. Chief Gunner USN July 10, 1926 *Graham, Ralph V. P. Private USMC July 10, 1926   Granger, Warren Laise Quartermaster Sergeant USMC July 10, 1926 *Hardaker, Maurice R. Private USMC July 10, 1926   Kensick, Casmer M. Private USMC July 10, 1926   Lewis, Marvin Corporal USMC July 10, 1926 *Little, John A. Private USMC July 10, 1926 *Mackert, Henry D., Jr. Private First Class USMC July 10, 1926 *Monroe, John W. Private USMC July 10, 1926 *Powell, Ernest Private USMC July 10, 1926 *Rachford, Frederick J. Corporal USMC July 10, 1926 *Schrader, Herman C. Lieutenant USN July 10, 1926 *Weber, Frank C. Private USMC July 10, 1926

 

S-51 Rescue and Salvage (1925-26) 12 Navy Crosses On on the night of September 25, 1925, the US submarine S-51 under command of Lieutenant Rodney Dobson, collided at sea with the steamer City of Rome while on the surface off Block Island, RI.  The steamer passed over the top of the submarine forcing it beneath the water where it quickly sank.  Only three of the sub's crew of thirty-six managed to escape and survive before it settled in 132 feet of water. The following day the first Navy diver reached the submarine and all indications were that none of the 33 men within the hull had survived.  Despite this, an unsuccessful rescue effort was mounted. On October 16 Navy Divers from the USS Falcon supported by numerous other ships began the task of trying to raise and salvage the S-51.  In frigid waters of the open sea, diving operations continued through December 6.  The salvage effort was resumed on April 26, 1926, and continued until the submarine was raised on June 5 and towed to the Brooklyn (NY) Navy Yard where it was placed on display. The dangerous process of raising the S-4 was accomplished primarily by fifteen Navy divers, most of whom participated in both the winter and spring effort.  Twelve of them were awarded the Navy Cross for risking their lives to salvage the S-51. Name Branch Rank/Rating Date(s) of Action Badders, William    MOH for Squalus Rescue USN Engineman First Class Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Carr, William J. (First Award)* USN Chief Boatswain's Mate Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Eadie, Thomas (First Award)*   MOH for a separate rescue in S-4 Salvage USN Chief Gunner's Mate Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Eiben, Joseph (First Award)** USN Chief Torpedoman's Mate Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Frazer, James W. USN Chief Torpedoman's Mate Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Hawes,  Richard E. (First Award)*** USN Boatwain Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Kelley, John R. (First Award)* USN Chief Torpedoman Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Loughman, William F. (First Award)* USN Chief Gunner Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Schissel, Solomon USN Seaman Second Class Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Smith, Francis G. USN Chief Torpedoman Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Wickwire, William S. (First Award)* USN Chief Gunner's Mate Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926 Wilson, Raymond C. (First Award)**** USN Chief Torpedoman Oct 16, 1925 - Jul 8, 1926   * Second Award for S-4 Rescue and Salvage   **Second Award for S-4 Rescue and Third Award for Submarine Escape Device Development  ***Second Award in World War II ****Second Award for Submarine Escape Device Of the thirteen men who received Navy Crosses for the S-51 Salvage, eight received second awards for their role in the subsequent salvage of the S-4.  One man received a 3rd Navy Cross for his role in development of the submarine escape device and one man who earned his first Navy Cross in the S-51 received his second award for his role in the escape device development.  One Navy Cross Recipient earned a second award in WWII.

 

Nanking Affair (March 21-25, 1927) 4 Navy Crosses American ships cruised the Yangtze River and coat of China from 1854 until World War II to demonstrate the American presence and support American consular officers in China.  Unrest in China made these cruises dangerous and often American ships were fired upon.  In 1927 a violent uprising of Chinese Nationalist Forces in and around Nanking forced the rescue of a number of British and American civilians by the American ships Noa, Preston and Isabel (supported by British and Japanese ships.)  Three Navy signalmen and one Chief Quartermaster received Navy Crosses in the four-day rescue mission and the immediate aftermath. Name Branch Rank/Rating Date of Action Horn, Charles William USN Chief Quartermaster March 21 - 25, 1927 Taylor, Dennie D. USN Signalman First Class March 21 - 25, 1927 Warren, Henry O. USN Signalman March 21 - 25, 1927 Wilson, John D. USN Signalman First Class March 21 - 25, 1927 Full Text Citations

 

S-4 Salvage and Rescue (1927) 11 Navy Crosses On the afternoon of December 17, 1927, the submarine S-4 collided with Coast Guard Cutter Paulding in Cape Cod bay.  In less than five minutes the submarine sank to the ocean floor at a depth of 110 feet. The following morning, despite a heavy gale, diver Thomas Eadie braved the dangers to descend to the ocean floor and tap on the hull of the sunken submarine.  Inside the hull, returning taps indicated that six men of the forty-man crew were still alive. Diver William Carr, determined to try and rescue the trapped men, made the second dive in efforts to attach a hose to fill the ballast tanks and raise the sunken sub.  With weather deteriorating, Fred Michaels made the third dive, during which he became entangled in the wreckage.  With the tender Falcon tossed by high wind and waves, Thomas Eadie made his second dive of the day to rescue William Carr, earning the Medal of Honor. Further rescue efforts were impossible because of the weather, and the Falcon returned to shore to deliver Michels to a hospital after his own harrowing dive.  Three days later the last message was tapped out in Morse Code by the six stranded submariners.  It said simply, "We Understand."  The submarine sank on Saturday, and not until the following Wednesday did the storm let up enough for the Falcon to return to dispatch a diver to attach a hose to supply fresh air.  It was too late, all six submariners had died. Many dives remained in the salvage effort that finally brought the submarine to the surface on March 17, 1928, after which the S-4 was towed to the Charleston Navy Yard for recovery of the bodies and repair to the ship.  Eleven divers received Navy Crosses for their role in the attempted rescue and subsequent salvage of the S-4.  Seven of these men had participated in the similar salvage of the S-51 eighteen months earlier where they each earned their first award of the Navy Cross. Name Rank/Rating Branch Date of Action Carr, William J. (Second Award)* Chief Boatswain's Mate USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Cregan, George Chief Boatswain USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Crilley, Frank W.   Received MOH For 1915 Diving Rescue Chief Gunner's Mate USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Eadie, Thomas (Second Award)*   Received MOH for separate action* Chief Gunner's Mate USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Eiben, Joseph (Second Award)** Chief Torpedoman's Mate USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Hartley, Henry Lieutenant USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Kelley, John R. (Second Award)* Chief Torpedoman USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Loughman, William F. (Second Award)* Chief Gunner USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Michels, Fred George (First Award) Chief Torpedoman USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Michels, Fred George (Second Award)*** Chief Torpedoman USN Dec 18, 1927 Tibbals, Clarence L. Lieutenant USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 Wickwire, William S. (Second Award)* Chief Gunner's Mate USN Dec 17, 1927 - Mar 17, 1928 *First Award for S-51 Salvage and Rescue  **First Award for S-51 Rescue and Third Award for Submarine Escape Device Development ***Diver Thomas Eadie was the first of three divers to descend to the sunken S-4 on the day after the sinking.  The third and what was to be the final dive of the day because of deteriorating weather, was made by Fred Michels.  Michels became entangled in the cables and wreckage.  Thomas Eadie made an unscheduled 4th dive to rescue Michels, earning the Medal of Honor.  Fred Michels was awarded a second Navy Cross for this separate incident.  The salvaged S-4 upon being repaired, was placed under the command of Ensign Norman Ives, and sent to Florida for testing in development of an experimental submarine rescue device.  The tragedy of the six trapped crewmen of the S-4 who survived the sinking, only to die days later, had prompted a major effort by the U.S. Navy to develop a means of rescuing sailors from the sea floor.

 

Development of Submarine Escape Device (1928 - 1931) 8 Navy Crosses  From 1928 to 1931 the rebuilt S-4 under the command of Lieutenant Norman Ives, served as a floating laboratory to develop and test various means of rescuing trapped submariners.  Two important devices were introduced, the Ives/McCann Bell and the Momsen Lung.  The first was a large bell that could be lowered from rescue tenders to the hatch of a sunken submarine to evacuate survivors.  The second was a bladder that, when mounted on the chest, could provide oxygen to sailors making a swimming ascent from sunken vessels.  Both were designed primarily by Charles Momsen, who received the Distinguished Service Medal, the citation for which noted: "During the early stages of its (the Lung's) design and development (he)...courageously, repeatedly and voluntarily risked his life in conducting experiments of a nature such that there was little or no information available as to their probable results. In the later tests of the device, when escapes were made from USS S-4 submerged to depths as much as 206 feet, he was not only the first person to venture the escape but also the leading and guiding spirit in all subsequent ones." Seven other divers of the Submarine Safety Test Unit, S-4 were awarded Navy Crosses for their own roles in testing and developing a means of rescuing trapped submariners.  (The result of this effort was demonstrated in the successful 1939 rescue of thirty-three survivors from the USS Squalus after it sank in 240 feet of water.) Name Branch Rank/Rating Date of Action Ives, Norman S.   Commander of the S-4 USN Lieutenant 1928 - 1931 Cominski, S. J. USN Gunner's Mate Second Class 1928 - 1931 Eiben, Joseph (Third Award) USN Chief Torpedoman's Mate 1928 - 1931 Hoy, P. J. USN Chief Torpedoman 1928 - 1931 Kalinoski, Edward USN Chief Torpedoman 1928 - 1931 Linso, John USN Pharmacist's Mate First Class 1928 - 1931 Syphax, R. H. USN Chief Boatswain's Mate 1928 - 1931 Wilson, Raymond C. (Second Award) USN Chief Torpedoman 1928 - 1931

 

Navy Cross Awards between the World War
1919 - 1929	2nd Nicaraguan	1929 - 1941

 

 

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