James Harper McDonald

He helped rescue 33 people from a sunken submarine

James Harper McDonald was born in Scotland in July 1900 and joined the United States Navy in October 1920. After completing an initial enlistment, he returned to naval service in February 1926. He trained as a metalsmith and diver, receiving commendations for diving work in 1928 and 1930. In October 1934 he qualified as a master diver, a distinction reflecting the demanding technical and practical skills required for underwater rescue and salvage.

On 23 May 1939, USS Squalus sank during trials off New Hampshire. McDonald, a master diver with the Navy’s Experimental Diving Unit, was one of the principal divers engaged in rescuing the 33 survivors and in the lengthy effort to recover the submarine. The work required dangerous descents and precise coordination around the submerged hull. His Medal of Honor recognized both his personal dives under hazardous conditions and his leadership in directing diving operations throughout the rescue and salvage.

Four divers received the Medal of Honor for their work on Squalus. Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison presented their medals at the Navy Department on 19 January 1940. McDonald continued in the Navy during the Second World War. He received a temporary warrant in 1942 and his first commission in July 1943. He was a Navy lieutenant during the Korean War era and later retired. He died on 29 December 1973 and was buried in Fishing Creek Cemetery at Roulette, Pennsylvania.