| Birth: | Sep. 11, 1901 | | Death: | Nov. 19, 1943 | 
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. His citation reads "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 9th 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, Capt. 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, he authorized the 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, he had served his country as he had served the Navy, with deep integrity and an uncompromising devotion to duty. His great moral courage in the face of certain death adds new luster to the traditions of the US Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country". (bio by: Curt Benge)
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Note: Entered the service from Illinois. | | | Burial:
Honolulu Memorial
*
Honolulu
Honolulu County
Hawaii, USA
Plot: Tablets of the missing
*Memorial Site [?] |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Curt Benge
Record added: Jun 25, 2003
Find A Grave Memorial# 7616446 |
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Thank your your courage and service to our country Sir. RIP
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Jack Prue
Added: Feb. 14, 2013 |
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peggy
Added: Nov. 19, 2012 |
Rest in peace, Sailor. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. may we always honor the high price you paid for our freedom. God bless you for your gallant defense of a noble cause and for ensiring that freedom would not perish from the earth.
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Sharon
Added: Nov. 19, 2012 |
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(4.2 after 35 votes)
