McDONALD, JAMES HARPER
Rank and organization: Chief Metalsmith, U.S. Navy. Place and date:
Area at sea of sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus, 23 May 1939. Entered service at:
Washington, D.C. Born: 15 July 1900, Scotland.
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a master diver throughout
the rescue and salvage operations following the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus on 23 May
1939. His leadership, masterly skill, general efficiency, and untiring devotion to duty in
directing diving operations, and in making important and difficult dives under the most
hazardous conditions, characterize conduct far above and beyond the ordinary call of duty.