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Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. San Francisco.
Entered service at:
Place and Date:
Battle off Savo Island, 1213 November 1942. Entered service at:
Colorado. Birth: 12 August 1911, Washington, D.C. Other Navy awards: Silver
Star. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and exceptionally distinguished
service above and beyond the call of duty as communication officer of the
U.S.S. San Francisco in combat with enemy Japanese forces in the battle
off Savo Island, 1213 November 1942. In the midst of a violent night engagement,
the fire of a determined and desperate enemy seriously wounded Lt. Comdr.
McCandless and rendered him unconscious, killed or wounded the admiral
in command, his staff, the captain of the ship, the navigator, and all
other personnel on the navigating and signal bridges. Faced with the lack
of superior command upon his recovery, and displaying superb initiative,
he promptly assumed command of the ship and ordered her course and gunfire
against an overwhelmingly powerful force. With his superiors in other vessels
unaware of the loss of their admiral, and challenged by his great responsibility,
Lt. Comdr. McCandless boldly continued to engage the enemy and to lead
our column of following vessels to a great victory. Largely through his
brilliant seamanship and great courage, the San Francisco was brought back
to port, saved to fight again in the service of her country.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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