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Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Chief Gunner's Mate Lieutenant Thomas Eadie, U.S. Navy
 Thomas Eadie Medal of Honor (1887-19??)
Thomas Eadie was born on 8 April 1887 in Scotland. He enlisted in the Navy in 1909, became a Gunner's Mate and was also trained as a diver. While serving as a Chief Gunner's Mate in the 1920s, he assisted in salvage work on the sunken submarines S-51 (SS-162) and S-4 (SS-109), receiving the Navy Cross for each operation, and the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in rescuing a fellow diver on the S-4 on 18 December 1927.
Eadie retired from active duty in 1939, but returned to service during World War II, receiving appointment as Chief Gunner (Warrant Officer). He later became a Commissioned Officer and retired in the rank of Lieutenant.
Wearing the Medal of Honor, which had just been presented by President Calvin Coolidge in ceremonies at the White House, January 1928. He received the medal for heroism in rescuing another man during diving operations on USS S-4 (SS-109) on 18 December 1927.
Among his other medals are the Navy Cross and the World War I Victory Medal.
Standing behind him are Secretary of the Navy Curtis Wilbur (left) and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Charles F. Hughes.
Chief Gunner's Mate Thomas Eadie, USN
Wearing the Medal of Honor, which had just been presented by President Calvin Coolidge in ceremonies at the White House, January 1928. He received the medal for heroism in rescuing another man during diving operations on USS S-4 (SS-109) on 18 December 1927.
Standing behind him are Secretary of the Navy Curtis Wilbur (left) and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Charles F. Hughes.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Medal of Honor citation of Chief Gunner's Mate Thomas Eadie
"For display of extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession above and beyond the call of duty on 18 December 1927, during the diving operations in connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. S-4 with all on board, as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Mass. On this occasion when MICHELS, Chief Torpedoman, United States Navy, while attempting to connect an air line to the submarine at a depth of 102 feet became seriously fouled, EADIE, under the most adverse diving conditions, deliberately, knowingly and willingly took his own life in his hands by promptly descending to the rescue in response to the desperate need of his companion diver. After two hours of extremely dangerous and heartbreaking work, by his cool, calculating and skillful labors, he succeeded in his mission and brought MICHELS safely to the surface."
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Navy Cross citation of Chief Gunner's Mate Thomas Eadie "For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty on the occasion of the salvaging of the U.S.S. S-51."
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Citation for a Gold Star, in lieu of a second Navy Cross, for Chief Gunner's Mate Thomas Eadie "For extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4 sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period, 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Eadie, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty."
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