Interim 1920 - 1940 - U.S. Navy

John Mihalowski

• Rank: Torpedoman First Class (Highest Rank: Lieutenant Commander)
• Conflict/Era: Interim 1920 - 1940
• Unit/Command:
  Submarine Rescue & Salvage Unit,
  U.S.S. Falcon
• Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
• Medal of Honor Action Date: May 23, 1939
• Medal of Honor Action Place: Portsmouth, southeast off the Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire, USA

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.