USS Wahoo Memorial for Commander "Mushmouth" Morton

[Got da Penny]

A fellow Co- Worker went to Owensboro,Ky this weekend to visit some friends. She had mentioned some type of "War Memorial" a few months ago during her last visit.

 

These are a few pictures i recieved via text message today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commander Dudley Walker Morton

July 17, 1907 - October 11, 1943

 

 

Dudley Walker Morton was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on July 17, 1907 to Mr. and Mrs. William Dix Morton. He attended the Miami High School, Miami, Florida and entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a Midshipman from the Fourth Florida District in 1926. He was on the Varsity Football Team and Varsity Wrestling Squad all four years and was variously called "Mush", "Mushmouth" and "Dud" by his classmates. Graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 5, 1930, he subsequently advanced to the rank of Commander.

After graduation he was ordered to the USS SARATOGA for passage to the West Coast where he had duty in connection with the fitting out of the USS CHICAGO at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He served in her from ship's commissioning on March 9, 1931 until June, 1933 when he reported to the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut for instruction. Upon completion of that course in December, 1933 he was ordered to the Asiatic Station where he served in the USS CANOPUS and later in the USS S-37, flagship of Submarine Division Ten until January 1937.

He returned to the United States via Europe and Siberia and was stationed in the Navy Yard, Philadelphia from February 1937 until May 1939 when he joined USS FAIRFAX and served as her Executive Officer until June, 1940. He next refitted the USS R-5 and commanded her until April, 1942. He was attached to the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut in May and in June 1942 was ordered to Submarine Squadron Four for duty as a Prospective Commanding Officer. Ordered to the USS WAHOO, he joined her on November 2, 1942. Following participation in her Second War Patrol, he assumed command on December 31, 1942. Following four war patrols as Commanding Officer of the WAHOO he was reported Missing In Action when that submarine was reported overdue and presumed to be lost on November 1, 1943 in the Sea of Japan, Asiatic Area. He was later declared dead, presumptive January 7, 1946.

Commander Morton was awarded the Navy Cross, three Gold Stars in lieu of a second, third and fourth Navy Cross and the Army Distinguished Service Cross. In addition to these decorations, Commander Morton received the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and was entitled to the World War II Victory Medal; and the Purple Heart Medal. The Navy officially credited him as the second highest scoring submarine commander of World War II (tied with Captain Slade D. Cutter).

[KySoldier]

A true American Hero !! God bless him and his men .

[Garandomatic]

I'm sure my buddy Eddie is carousing with his mates on the Wahoo now. Caught malaria and stayed behind transferred to another ship. According to his discharge, he was also on another ship that later sank. He died this February.

[RustyCanteen]

That is an interesting memorial Carey, thanks for posting it.

 

RC

[Jack's Son]

Thank you, Carey

[namvet]

these were tuff guys with new ideas