Medal of Honor Monday: Commander Samuel David Dealey, United States Navy

By

Daniel Tobias Flint

On Medal of Honor Monday, we commemorate the extraordinary heroism of Commander Samuel David Dealey, who served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Harder (SS-257) during World War II. His actions during the submarine's fifth war patrol in Japanese-controlled waters are a testament to his unparalleled bravery, strategic brilliance, and unyielding dedication to duty.

Conspicuous Gallantry in the Face of Danger

Commander Dealey's Medal of Honor citation speaks to the remarkable courage he displayed during a series of encounters with Japanese forces. Under a bright moon that betrayed the Harder's position, Dealey faced a destroyer escort intent on attacking. Without hesitation, he ordered the submarine to dive to periscope depth, waiting patiently as the enemy ship drew closer. With precise calculation, Dealey launched a torpedo that struck the destroyer on his third attempt, sending it down in flames.

Despite the fierce retaliation in the form of depth charges, Dealey was not deterred. He skillfully maneuvered the Harder, surfacing again to confront another destroyer. Within a mere nine minutes, he had targeted and sunk this second threat with a perfectly placed torpedo that struck amidships, sending the enemy vessel plunging tail-first into the depths.

A Relentless Force in Enemy Waters

In a daring move, Commander Dealey then guided the Harder into the perilous, confined waters off Tawi Tawi, a mere six miles from a major Japanese fleet base. Here, he launched a devastating attack on two patrolling destroyers, sinking both in rapid succession. The impact of the first explosion caused the Harder to heel over, but Dealey maintained control, steering clear of the danger zone at high speed.

The following day, the Harder was sighted by a large Japanese fleet force. With characteristic fearlessness, Dealey turned the bow of his submarine directly toward the lead destroyer, launching a daring "down-the-throat" torpedo attack. As the Harder crash-dived to avoid the inevitable counterattack, it was rocked by the explosion of the sinking destroyer, a testament to Dealey's precision and resolve.

Legacy of a Naval Hero

In just a few days, Commander Samuel David Dealey and his crew on the USS Harder sunk five vital Japanese destroyers in five short-range torpedo attacks. This extraordinary feat underscored not only the strategic importance of submarines in the Pacific Theater but also the indomitable spirit of the men who commanded them. Dealey's leadership, courage, and tactical genius during this patrol earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States.

Today, we remember and honor Commander Samuel David Dealey for his unparalleled bravery and his vital contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. His actions exemplify the highest standards of military service and serve as an enduring inspiration to all who wear the uniform.

#MedalofHonorMonday is dedicated to highlighting the extraordinary stories of service members who have been awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor and selflessness. Commander Samuel David Dealey's story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in defense of freedom.

The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of these incredible heroes. Through their work, they inspire all Americans to build upon the legacies of those who have received our nation's highest military honor.

Learn more about the Medal of Honor and the incredible stories behind it by visiting the National Medal of Honor Museum. https://mohmuseum.org/ National Medal of Honor Museum Darrell Utt Ruben Ayala Dan Horgan CAPT Chris “Chowdah” Hill Arthur "AC" Coley Christopher (SMURF) McPhee, MA, PMP, CSM US Navy

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