MIHALOWSKI, JOHN
Rank and organization: Torpedoman First Class, U.S. Navy. Place and date:
Area at sea of the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus, 23 May 1939. Entered service at:
Massachusetts. Born: 12 August 1910, Worcester, Mass.
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the rescue and
salvage operations following the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus on 23 May 1939. Mihalowski,
as a member of the rescue chamber crew, made the last extremely hazardous trip of the
rescue chamber to attempt the rescue of any possible survivors in the flooded after
portion of the Squalus. He was fully aware of the great danger involved, in that, if he
and the other member of the crew became incapacitated, there was no way in which either
could be rescued. During the salvage operations Mihalowski made important and difficult
dives under the most hazardous conditions. His outstanding performance of duty contributed
much to the success of the operations and characterizes conduct far above and beyond the
ordinary call of duty.
