John Philip Cromwell-Henry, IL
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 41° 07.428 W 089° 22.206
16T E 301036 N 4555207
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action as Commander of the USS Sculpin in the enemy controlled waters off Turk Island on November 19, 1943. He was killed in action. He has a cenotaph marker in Henry Cemetery, Henry IL.
Waymark Code: WMWXWP
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 10/27/2017
Views: 1
He was born on September 11, 1901 in Henry IL and on November 19 1943 died at sea.
His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *CROMWELL, JOHN PHILIP
• Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy
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 U.S.S. 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Armed Service: Navy
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