The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to:

James Harper McDonald Buried: Fishing Creek Cemetery, Roulette, PA

Rank: Chief Metalsmith Organization: US Navy Place: Area at sea of sinking of the USS Squalus Date: 23 May 1939 Entered service at: Washington, DC Born: 15 July 1900, at Newmand Scotland Died: 29 December 1973

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a master diver throughout the rescue and salvage operations following the sinking of the USS Squalus on 23 May 1939. His leadership, masterly skill, general efficiency, and untiring 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 call of duty.