This highest award possible from the United States Government, was given to only 7 American submariners. three of them were posthumous. The four surviving recipients are/were Members of our SHARKHUNTERS.

The CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL of HONOR was awarded to Captain John P. Cromwell which states:

The President of the United States in the name of the Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to: CAPTAIN JOHN P. CROMWELL UNITED STATES NAVY for services set forth in the following

CITATION:

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 USS SCULPIN, during the Ninth War Patrol of that vessel in enemy-controlled waters off Truk Island, 19 November 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, Captain Cromwell authorized the USS SCULPIN to surface and engage the enemy in a gunfight, 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, Captain Cromwell served his country, as he served the Navy, with deep integrity and an uncompromising devotion. By his daring initiative and great moral courage in the face of certain death, Captain Cromwell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He Gallantly gave his life for his country.