Morton Lyndholm Deyo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | July 1, 1887 Poughkeepsie, New York |
| Died | November 10, 1973 (aged 86) Kittery Point, Maine |
| Place of burial | United States Naval Academy Cemetery (Section 6, Plot 1288-A) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1907–1949 |
| Rank |  Vice Admiral |
| Battles / wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) |
Vice Admiral Morton Lyndholm Deyo (1 July 1887 – 10 November 1973) was an officer in the United States Navy, who was a naval gunfire support task force commander of World War II.
Born on 1 July 1887 in Poughkeepsie, New York, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1911, and served over a career of 38 years. His classmates at the Naval Academy included Harry W. Hill, George D. Murray, and Frederick L. Riefkohl.[1] His highest Navy rank in active service was rear admiral, attaining vice admiral at retirement. He was awarded three medals of personal honor, the Distinguished Service Medal (Navy), and the Legion of Merit with Gold Star.[2]
Deyo served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. In the Atlantic, he commanded the destroyers which provided the first American escort assistance to allied convoys to England just prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He later commanded naval gunfire support at Utah Beach in the Normandy invasion, Task Force 129 at the bombardment of Cherbourg, as well as during the invasion of Southern France.
When transferred to the Pacific, Rear Admiral Deyo assumed command of Cruiser Division 13 (CruDiv 13). He commanded gunfire and covering force for the assault and occupation of Battle of Okinawa. During the battle, he was the last naval commander to form a battle line with battleships as they prepared to intercept the Japanese battleship Yamato. At the war's end, he accepted the surrender of Japanese forces at Sasebo, Kyushu and directed the Allied Occupation of Western Japan.[3]
- ^ Lucky Bag. Nimitz Library U. S. Naval Academy. First Class, United States Naval Academy. 1911.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ USS Deyo webpage. DD-989 USS Deyo ship's history. Viewed 08/08/2011.
- ^ "Modern Biographical Files in the Navy Department Library»Modern Bios D» Deyo, Morton Lyndholm". Naval History and Heritage Command. Archived from the original on 2023-09-14. Retrieved 2023-09-14.