MIHALOWSKI-JOHN

John Mihalowski was a Navy Diver, Navy Chief, and Medal of Honor Recipient who was honored for taking part in the rescue mission of the USS Squalus in 1939.

Chief Mihalowski and his team on the USS Falcon embarked on the first submarine rescue mission in American history. This hazardous operation required him to guide a 10-ton rescue chamber along supporting cables, which required a delicate touch to maintain proper pressure. Any mistake could have resulted in death for the crew inside.

There were 5 trips, each lasting 4-5 hours -- 33 sailors were saved.

The last trip was made to the Squalus’s after torpedo room hatch to verify that no men had survived in the flooded portion of the submarine. 26 sailors sacrificed their lives closing the bulkhead door so others could be rescued.

Mihalowski retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 30 years of service. He passed away on October 29, 1993, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication.