James Harper McDonald

Infobox Military Person
name=James Harper McDonald
born= birth date|1900|7|15
died= death date and age|1973|12|29|1900|7|15
placeofbirth=New Mand, Scotland
placeofdeath=
placeofburial=


caption=Chief Metalsmith James H. McDonald, 19 January 1940, just after being presented with the Medal of Honor
nickname=
allegiance= United States of America
branch= United States Navy
serviceyears=1920 - c. 1923 1926 - c. 1951
rank= Lieutenant
commands=
unit=
battles=
awards=Medal of Honor
laterwork=

James Harper McDonald (15 July 1900 – 29 December 1973) was a United States Navy diver and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions during the salvage of the sunken submarine USS "Squalus".

Biography

James McDonald 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. From May to September 1939, he was heavily involved in rescue and salvage efforts on the USS "Squalus". Four members of the salvage team were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during that operation. James McDonald, then a Chief Metalsmith, and three fellow divers (Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders, Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski, and Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall) received their Medals of Honor from Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison during a ceremony held at the Navy Department offices on 19 January 1940.

Continuing his Naval service into World War II, McDonald became a commissioned officer. He retired after the war with the rank of Lieutenant.

James Harper McDonald died at the age of 73 and was buried in Fishing Creek Cemetery, Roulette, Pennsylvania.

Medal of Honor citation

Chief Metalsmith McDonald's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

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.

ee also

*List of Medal of Honor recipients
*List of Medal of Honor recipients during Peacetime

References

:NHC
*findagrave|7224364 Retrieved on 2008-02-01
*cite web
publisher = Naval Historical Center
title = US People - McDonald, James H.
work = Online Library
date = 2006-10-12
url = http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-m/j-mcdnld.htm
accessdate = 2006-11-01