Veteran in crisis? Dial 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 Next observance: Navy Birthday · October 13
Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

Chief Boatswain's Mate · U.S. Navy

Orson Leon Crandall

Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson Leon Crandall, 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

Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson Leon Crandall 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. Crandall was 36 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. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant.

Crandall was born on February 2, 1903 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri. His Medal of Honor is credited to Connecticut. Crandall died on May 10, 1960 in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 57. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

★ Rescue & Lifesaving

Official Medal of Honor citation

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 and 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.

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

Battles and campaigns

Also served in: World War II.

Places

  • Born: St. Joseph — map
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery — map

Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Connecticut →

Timeline

  1. February 2, 1903
    Born in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri
  2. May 23, 1939
    Act of valor — Portsmouth, southeast off the Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire
    Age 36. Submarine Rescue & Salvage Unit, U.S.S. Falcon
  3. January 19, 1940
    Medal of Honor presented
  4. May 10, 1960
    Died in St. Petersburg, Florida
    Age 57.
  5. Resting place
    Arlington National Cemetery
    Arlington, Virginia

Biography

Orson Leon Crandall (February 2, 1903 – May 10, 1960) was a United States Navy diver and a recipient of America's highest military decoration - the Medal of Honor.

From the Wikipedia article “Orson Leon Crandall”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →

Also honored for actions on May 23, 1939

WB William Badders Chief Machinist's Mate · Navy Interim 1920–1940 · 1939 James Harper McDonald Chief Metalsmith · Navy Interim 1920–1940 · 1939 John Mihalowski Torpedoman First Class · 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.