Background
Thomas Eadie was born on April 8, 1887 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Thomas Eadie was born on April 8, 1887 in Glasgow, Scotland.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1909 and was eventually rated as a Gunner"s Mate and was also trained as a diver. Eadie retired from active duty on February 1, 1939. He returned to active service during World World War II on April 30, 1942, receiving appointment as Chief Gunner (Warrant Officer).
He was promoted to ensign on August 15, 1942 and to lieutenant on July 1, 1944.
He retired in that rank after the war. Thomas Eadie died at Brockton, Massachusetts, on November 14, 1974 and was buried in Island Cemetery annex in Newport, Rhode Island.
Medal of Honor citation 1st Navy Cross Foreign extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty on the occasion of the salvaging of the United States.S. South-51. 2nd Navy Cross Foreign extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the United States.S. South-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.
While serving as a Chief Gunner"s Mate in the 1920s, he assisted in salvage work on the sunken submarines United States Ship South-51 and United States Ship South-4, receiving the Navy Cross for each operation, and the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in rescuing a fellow diver on the South-4 on December 18, 1927. The official citation for Chief Gunner"s Mate Thomas Eadie"s first Navy Cross is as follows: The official citation for Chief Gunner"s Mate Thomas Eadie"s second Navy Cross is as follows: In addition to the above, Eadie also received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War Two Victory Meda
