Teacher's Guide:
Indoor Exhibits - Medal of Honor Gallery

Medal of Honor Gallery

Housed in the third alcove is an exhibit, dedicated on 7 December 2004, which honors the men who have received the nation’s highest award for personal valor while serving onboard submarines. These include one enlisted Sailor, one pioneering commanding officer from the early days of American submarines, and seven submarine C.O.’s from World War II. The gallery also includes two prints.

Vera Cruz by Henry Reuterdahl

"Vera Cruz," Henry Reuterdahl (1871-1925), circa 1920: Reuterdahl, a native of Sweden who moved to America in the 1890s, was known for his paintings of naval battles, including several from the Spanish-American War. He headed the Navy’s recruitment-poster project during World War I, overseeing the development of the many posters and films that inspired young men to enlist in the Navy.

USS Growler by McClelland Barclay

"USS GROWLER," McClelland Barclay (1891- 1943): This is a print of a painting, held in the collection, that was given to the Museum by Commodore James Fife. In 1943, USS GROWLER (SS-215) rammed a Japanese vessel in the course of a battle, seriously damaging her bow. (Her commanding officer, Howard Gilmore, who was fatally wounded in the attack, would be awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.) Australian shipyard workers in Brisbane repaired the damage and painted a kangaroo on the bow. The boat, nicknamed the "Kangaroo Express," was lost with all hands the following year.

USS Barb Battle Flag

Hanging above the gallery are both a crew copy (pictured) and an original USS BARB (SS-220) battle flag. The original was hand sewn by Petty Officer First Class John Higgins, a BARB crewmember, and records the sub’s accomplishments up to November of 1944. The copy is one of a set of replicas that were made professionally after the war’s end and given to each member of the crew.

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