Honoring Veterans: Navy Veteran James McDonald

James McDonald was born in July 1900, in New Mand, Scotland. At 20, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, a step that would lead to a lifetime of extraordinary service to his adopted country.

McDonald served for three years before leaving the service. But in February 1926, he reenlisted to study as a metalsmith and diver. His work as a diver earned him commendations in both 1928 and 1930. In October 1934, he became a master diver.

In 1939, a main induction valve failure led to the flooding of the submarine USS Squalus (SS 192). It sunk to the floor, 240 feet below the surface. McDonald was appointed to oversee the rescue and salvage operations. He was awarded a Medal of Honor for leadership during that operation, which included fellow divers and MOH recipents William Badders, John Mihalowski and Orson L. Crandall. Their heroic efforts were recognized during a ceremony at the Navy Department offices on Jan. 19, 1940, with the medals presented by former Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison.

McDonald continued to serve in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He became a commissioned officer and rose to the rank of lieutenant. After retiring from the Navy in 1953, he settled with his wife in Potter County, Pennsylvania.

McDonald died in 1973 and was interred in Fishing Creek Cemetery, Pennsylvania.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for Honoring Veterans

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s Honoring Veterans social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Writer: Lara Walker

Editors: Lillian Williams, James Bisceglia

Researchers: Jacoryn Whatley, Raphael Romea

Graphic Designer: Adeline Haynie