 He was designated a Master Diver in April 1931 and received commendations for his diving work in salvaging in 1928 and the Japanese steamship Kaku Maru in 1932, and for clearing the propeller of at sea in 1933.Chief Machinist's Mate Badders was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the rescue of survivors of and subsequent salvage of that submarine in 1939.He was Senior Member of the rescue chamber crew and served as a diver during the salvage effort.