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Cummings, Damon Morris

Date of birth:
January 30th, 1910 (Belvidere/Illinois, United States)
Date of death:
November 13th, 1942 (Guadalcanal, Pacific Ocean)
Mentioned on:
American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Damon M. Cummings, born 30 January 1910 in Belvidere, Illinois, graduated from the Naval Academy 4 June 1931. He served on USS Northampton (CA-26) and USS Monaghan (DD-354) and had staff duty at Submarine Base, New London, and with Destroyer Squadron 3. Serving on the staff of Commander, South Pacific Force, Lieutenant Commander Cummings was killed in action while on board USS San Francisco (CA-38) on the night of 12 / 13 November 1942. For his heroism and determination during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
March 1943
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession on the Staff of the Commander, South Pacific Force, serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 - 13 November, 1942. On this occasion the force to which Lieutenant Commander Cummings was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country's forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Cummings contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 312 (posthumously awarded)
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38), U.S. Navy
Purple Heart

Sources

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