Smallwood Hall

On April 15, 1987, Submarine Base Pearl Harbor reopened a newly renovated 17-story Bachelor Enlisted Quarters capable of housing 516 personnel. This building was dedicated on February 26, 1988 in the memory of MM3 (SS) James E. Smallwood for the sacrifice of his life while performing his duties in the service of his country.

He was posthumously awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Medal for heroic conduct. The citation reads:

“For heroic conduct on June 14, 1960 while serving on board USS SARGO (SSN-583) moored at the Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. While supervising the operation of charging high pressure oxygen into the SARGO’s storage tanks, SMALLWOOD firmly and meticulously carried out the ship’s safety precautions requiring isolation of the charging compartment from the remainder of the vessel. Aware of the potential danger involved, he denied entry of several of his shipmates to the Stern Room and kept the watertight door and bulkhead flappers shut. SMALLWOOD lost his life in a raging fire which broke out during the oxygen charge. Through his steadfast adherence to safety precautions, he undoubtedly prevented further loss of life and a probable major disaster. His courage and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”