Morton C. Mumma’s Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to
MORTON C. MUMMA, JR.,
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER,
U.S. NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Morton C. Mumma, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAILFISH (SS-192), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of off Luzon, Philippine Islands. On the night of 13 December 1941, the ship made contact with a convoy escorted by three Japanese destroyers. Lieutenant Commander Mumma boldly maneuvered his submarine into striking position despite enemy depth charge counter measures and directed operations and fire to score a torpedo hit on an enemy destroyer. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Mumma brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: 24 August 1904 in Manila, Philippines… Home of record: Berryville, Va…. Graduate of U.S. Naval Academy (Class of ’25) After serving as a submarine skipper, he commanded the Southwest Pacific area’s PT boats… Was an expert marksman during his Naval career and served as president of the National Rifle Association after his retirement… Father was Col. Morton C. Mumma (USA)… Brothers Rear Adm. Albert (USN) and Maj. George (USA) were also Naval Academy grads… Son Morton C. Mumma III graduated from the U.S. Military Academy like his grandfather (Class of ’48) and went on to become a colonel in the U.S. Air Force… Rear Adm. Morton C. Mumma Jr. passed away 14 August 1968… Interred at Arlington National Cemetery