Samuel David Dealey

The Fearless Commander of USS Harder

Few American submarine commanders challenged the enemy as boldly as Commander Samuel David Dealey, the Medal of Honor recipient whose daring leadership aboard USS Harder (SS-257) made him one of the most celebrated submariners of World War II. Known for his aggressive close-range torpedo attacks, Dealey repeatedly confronted Japanese warships in heavily defended Pacific waters, often turning the tables on destroyers sent to hunt his submarine.

Born on September 13, 1906, in Dallas, Texas, Dealey graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1930. After serving aboard surface warships and submarines, he assumed command of the newly commissioned USS Harder on December 2, 1942. Under his leadership, the submarine became renowned for its successful patrols against Japanese shipping.

Dealey earned four Navy Crosses for extraordinary heroism during Harder's first four war patrols. His actions included attacking enemy shipping in dangerous coastal waters, conducting reconnaissance near Japanese-held positions, bombarding an enemy airfield, and rescuing a stranded American aviator despite hostile fire. His courage and exceptional seamanship also earned him the Army Distinguished Service Cross, awarded for his actions against Japanese forces in June 1944.

His most celebrated achievement came during Harder's fifth war patrol, from May 26 to July 3, 1944. Near Tawi-Tawi in the Philippines, Dealey repeatedly attacked Japanese destroyers at extremely close range, maneuvering through intense depth-charge attacks to protect his submarine and crew. His Medal of Honor citation credited five destroyers sunk, although postwar research established that three were sunk and two damaged during these engagements. His extraordinary gallantry remained unquestioned, and he received the Medal of Honor posthumously.

On August 24, 1944, during Harder's sixth war patrol, Dealey and all 78 members of his crew were lost when Japanese depth charges sank the submarine off Luzon, Philippines. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry during this final patrol and the Purple Heart for his ultimate sacrifice. USS Harder also received the Navy Presidential Unit Citation and six battle stars for its wartime service.

Dealey's Medal of Honor was presented to his widow, Edwina, by President Harry S. Truman in 1945. His name is commemorated on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, while the destroyer escort USS Dealey (DE-1006) was named in his honour.

Remembered for his tactical skill, courageous leadership, and unwavering devotion to his crew, Samuel David Dealey left a lasting legacy in American submarine warfare.