Crew list of Ships hit by U-boats
Kenneth Hart Muir
USNR (97548). American
Born | 25 Jul 1916 | Brooklyn, NY | |
Died | 7 Nov 1942 | (26) |
Roster information listed for Kenneth Hart Muir
Ship | Type | Rank / role | Attacked on | Boat | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nathaniel Hawthorne | Steam merchant | Lieutenant (junior grade) | 7 Nov 1942 (+) | U-508 (1) |
Personal information
Son of Mr. Edwin Hawley Muir, of Pelham, NY. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserve on 23 September 1940 and was appointed midshipman on 14 February 1941.
Award Citation as published in Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 in October 1943:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth H. Muir, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of the United States Navy Armed Guard on board the S.S. NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE, destroyed in the Caribbean Sea by enemy torpedoes on 6 November 1942. In the glow of salt water flares that lighted up the stern of the sinking ship, Ensign Muir, disregarding his own severe injuries and great suffering, ordered the three men near him to leap clear of the ship and then rushed back to help more of his men to escape. He was still urging his gunners over the side when the ship went down. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
The US destroyer escort USS Muir (DE 770) was named in his honor and sponsored by his sister Mrs. Witten H. McConnochie when launched in Tampa, FL on 4 June 1944.
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