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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Captain John P. Cromwell, USN (1901-1943)
John Philip Cromwell was born in Henry, Illinois, on 11 September
1901. Appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1920, he graduated
in June 1924 and served initially in the battleship USS Maryland
(BB-46). In 1926, he attended submarine school and was assigned
to USS S-24 (SS-129) during 1927-29. He next had three
year's diesel engineering instruction, followed by further tours
of duty in submarines.
Lieutenant Cromwell commanded USS S-20 (SS-125) in 1936-37,
then served on the staff of Commander Submarine Division 4. He
was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1939 and spent
two years in Washington, D.C. with the Bureau of Engineering and
Bureau of Ships. In May 1941, he became Engineer Officer for the
Pacific Fleet submarine force. During 1942-43, he commanded Submarine
Divisions 203, 44 and 43.
Following promotion to Captain, he went to sea in USS Sculpin
(SS-191) as prospective commander of a mid-Pacific submarine
wolf pack. While attacking a Japanese convoy on 19 November 1943,
Sculpin was forced to the surface, fatally damaged in a
gun battle and abandoned by her surviving crew members. Captain
Cromwell, who knew secret details of the impending operation to
capture the Gilbert Islands, deliberately remained on board as
she sank. For his sacrificial heroism in preventing the enemy
from obtaining this information, he was posthumously awarded the
Medal of Honor. The text
of his Medal of Honor citation is reproduced below.
USS Cromwell (DE-1014), 1954-1973, was named in honor
of Captain John P. Cromwell.
This page features our only views of John P. Cromwell.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 51734
Lieutenant John P. Cromwell, USN
Photographed circa 1932-39.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 119KB; 600 x 765 pixels |
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Photo #: NH 51733
Captain John P. Cromwell, USN
Photographed circa 1943. He was lost with USS Sculpin
(SS-191) on 19 November 1943 and was posthumously awarded the
Medal of Honor for his actions at that time.
This image was published in the book "United States Submarine
Losses in World War II".
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 81KB; 585 x 765 pixels |
 |
Medal of Honor citation for Captain John P. Cromwell (as
printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949,
The Navy", page 170):
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commander of
a Submarine Coordinated Attack Group with Flag in the U.S.S.
Sculpin, during the Ninth War Patrol of that vessel in
enemy-controlled waters off Truk Island, November 19, 1943. Undertaking
this patrol prior to the launching of our first large-scale offensive
in the Pacific, Captain Cromwell, alone of the entire Task Group,
possessed secret intelligence information of our submarine strategy
and tactics, scheduled Fleet movements and specific attack plans.
Constantly vigilant and precise in carrying out his secret orders,
he moved his underseas flotilla inexorably forward despite savage
opposition and established a line of submarines to southeastward
of the main Japanese stronghold at Truk. Cool and undaunted as
the submarine, rocked and battered by Japanese depth-charges,
sustained terrific battle damage and sank to an excessive depth,
he authorized the Sculpin to surface and engage the enemy
in a gun-fight, thereby providing an opportunity for the crew
to abandon ship. Determined to sacrifice himself rather than
risk capture and subsequent danger of revealing plans under Japanese
torture or use of drugs, he stoically remained aboard
the mortally wounded vessel as she plunged to her death. Preserving
the security of his mission at the cost of his own life, he had
served his country as he had served the Navy, with deep integrity
and an uncompromising devotion to duty. His great moral courage
in the face of certain death adds new luster to the traditions
of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country."
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6 July 2000