For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Com-
mander of a Submarine Coordinated Attack Group with
Flag in the U.S.S. Sculpin, during the Ninth War Patrol of
that vessel in enemy-controlled waters off Truk
Island, November 19, 1943. Undertaking this patrol prior
to the launching of our first large-scale offensive in
the Pacific, Captain 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 author-
ized the Sculpin to surface and engage the enemy in a gun-
fight, 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 uncom-
promising devotion to duty. His great moral courage in
the face of certain death adds new luster to the
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.