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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 --
Lieutenant Orson L. Crandall, USN (1903-1960)
Orson Leon Crandall was born on 2 February 1903 at St. Joseph,
Missouri. He enlisted in the Navy in June 1922, serving in several
ships over the next decade. Trained as a diver in 1932-33 and
designated a Master Diver in March 1939, he was serving in USS
Falcon (ASR-2) when she supported the rescue and salvage
effort on the sunken submarine Squalus
(SS-192) in May-September 1939. Chief Boatswain's Mate Crandall
was awarded the Medal of
Honor for heroism as Master Diver during that operation.
During World War II, Crandall became a commissioned officer
and served in a variety of salvage and diving-related positions.
He transferred to the Fleet Reserve in June 1946 and retired in
December 1952. Lieutenant Orson L. Crandall died in May 1960.
USS Crandall (YHLC-2), 1967-1993, was named in honor
of Lieutenant Crandall.
This page features all our images of Orson L. Crandall.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 57889
Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall, USN
Photographed on 19 January 1940, just after being presented with
the Medal of Honor for heroism during rescue and salvage operations
on USS Squalus (SS-192), following her accidental sinking
on 23 May 1939.
He was Master Diver on board USS Falcon (ASR-2) during
that time.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the
Naval Historical Center.
Online Image: 66KB; 570 x 765 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 57890
Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall, USN
Photographed on 19 January 1940, just after being presented with
the Medal of Honor for heroism during rescue and salvage operations
on USS Squalus (SS-192), following her accidental sinking
on 23 May 1939.
He was Master Diver on board USS Falcon (ASR-2) during
that time.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the
Naval Historical Center.
Online Image: 70KB; 575 x 765 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 57887
USS Squalus (SS-192) Rescue and Salvage Operations, 1939
Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison presents Medals of Honor
to four men for heroism during rescue and salvage operations
following the accidental sinking of Squalus on 23 May
1939. The ceremonies took place at the Navy Department on 19
January 1940.
The men are (from left to right):
Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders;
Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski;
Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall; and
Chief Metalsmith James Harper McDonald.
All were qualified as Divers. The Diver's distinguishing mark
is visible on the Mihalowski's and Crandall's jacket sleeves.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the
Naval Historical Center.
Online Image: 102KB; 740 x 615 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 57888
USS Squalus (SS-192) Rescue and Salvage Operations, 1939
Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison congratulates four heros
of the Squalus rescue and salvage operations after presenting
them with Medals of Honor during ceremonies at the Navy Department
on 19 January 1940.
The four men, all qualified as Divers, are (from left to right):
Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders;
Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski;
Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall; and
Chief Metalsmith James Harper McDonald.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the
Naval Historical Center.
Online Image: 103KB; 740 x 615 pixels |
 |
Medal of Honor citation of Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L.
Crandall (as printed in the official publication "Medal
of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 130):
"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."
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7 July 2000