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Torpedoman First Class · U.S. Navy

John Mihalowski

Torpedoman First Class John Mihalowski, Navy, received the Medal of Honor for actions on May 23, 1939 in Portsmouth, southeast off the Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire (Interim 1920–1940).

Interim 1920 - 1940 May 23, 1939

Torpedoman First Class John Mihalowski was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 23, 1939 in Portsmouth, southeast off the Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1920 - 1940 period. At the time he was serving with Submarine Rescue & Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon. Mihalowski was 28 years old.

3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on January 19, 1940. Washington, D.C., presented by Sec. of the Navy Charles Edison. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Mihalowski was born on August 12, 1910 in Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. His Medal of Honor is credited to Massachusetts. Mihalowski died on October 29, 1993 in Largo, Florida, at the age of 83. He is buried at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park in Largo, Florida.

★ Rescue & Lifesaving

Official Medal of Honor 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 afterportion 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.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Battles and campaigns

Also served in: World War II.

Places

  • Born: Worcester — map
  • Died: Pinellas County — map

Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Massachusetts →

Timeline

  1. August 12, 1910
    Born in Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
  2. May 23, 1939
    Act of valor — Portsmouth, southeast off the Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire
    Age 28. Submarine Rescue & Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon
  3. January 19, 1940
    Medal of Honor presented
    Washington, D.C., presented by Sec. of the Navy Charles Edison
  4. October 29, 1993
    Died in Largo, Florida
    Age 83.
  5. Resting place
    Serenity Gardens Memorial Park
    Largo, Florida

Biography

John Mihalowski (August 12, 1911 – October 29, 1993) was a United States Navy diver and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor.

From the Wikipedia article “John Mihalowski”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →

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Also honored for actions on May 23, 1939

WB William Badders Chief Machinist's Mate · Navy Interim 1920–1940 · 1939 Orson Leon Crandall Chief Boatswain's Mate · Navy Interim 1920–1940 · 1939 James Harper McDonald Chief Metalsmith · Navy Interim 1920–1940 · 1939
Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Wikidata and Wikipedia. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.