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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 Commander John Mihalowski, USN (1910-19??)
John Mihalowski was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on 12
August 1910. He enlisted in the Navy in December 1927, rising
to the rank of Chief Torpedoman during the next decade. Trained
as a diver in 1932-33, he served with the Experimental Diving
Unit in 1933-37 and then as a member of the crew of USS Falcon
(ASR-2) into 1941. While serving in Falcon, he played an
important role in the rescue of survivors of USS Squalus
(SS-192) and the subsequent salvage of that submarine in 1939.
For his heroism during that effort, Chief Torpedoman Mihalowski
was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
In 1942, Mihalowski was appointed a warrant officer and became
a commissioned officer later in the War. He participated in rescue
and salvage operations on six LSTs that had exploded in Pearl
Harbor in 1944, and, while Executive Officer of USS Shackle
(ARS-9), on damaged ships during the Okinawa campaign in 1945.
Following the War, he took part the harbor clearance in Japan
and in salvage efforts during the 1946 "Crossroads"
atomic bomb tests at Bikini. He was Executive Officer of USS Gypsy
(ARSD-1) in 1947-48, before transferring to the Fleet Reserve
in January 1948.
Recalled to active duty in September 1950 as a Chief Torpedoman,
Mihalowski was reinstated as a Lieutenant the following year.
He was assigned to the Naval Gun Factory, Washington, D.C., in
1952 and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in February
1954. LCdr. John Mihalowski retired from active Naval service
in about 1958.
This page features all our images of John Mihalowski.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 57895
Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski, 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 a a member of the rescue chamber during the rescue of
Squalus survivors on 24-25 May 1939 and served as a diver
during the salvage effort.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the
Naval Historical Center.
Online Image: 72KB; 575 x 765 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 57896
Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski, 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 a a member of the rescue chamber during the rescue of
Squalus survivors on 24-25 May 1939 and served as a diver
during the salvage effort.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the
Naval Historical Center.
Online Image: 73KB; 565 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 Torpedoman John Mihalowski
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor,
1861-1949, The Navy", page 131):
"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 to rescue any possible
survivors in the flooded after portion 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."
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8 July 2000