James M. Steele US Navy USS Utah

"My father was the first salvage master at the Pearl Harbor disaster. He worked around the clock for five days, before being relieved by a salvage expert, to save sinking ships and to get people out. He then was assigned the Base Force staff. Now a Captain, he commanded a small task force sent to pull off a grounded transport ship at Howland Island. Then he was assigned as Plans Officer on Admiral Nimitz's staff--as the staff was then organized he was the next senior officer after the Chief of Staff, and had broad responsibilities. Nimitz decorated him with the Legion of Merit for his outstanding services. After being selected for Rear Admiral [and passing his physical examination for promotion] he took command of the new battleship, USS INDIANA."

Information provided by Vice Admiral George Steele (Son) and J.F. Steele (Grandson).