Laureled Sons of Dartmouth
Men Cited for Heroism and Meritorious Achievement
LIEUTENANT (JG) RUMSEY EWING '42, j USNR, has been in the South Pacific since last summer. Before he left his father promised him and his crew a reward if they sank a sub or any war vessel as big as a destroyer. In January Rumsey wrote: "Come on across, Daddy, you have been owing us since December 24th." In the same letter he described how he and his crew had been attacked by Jap dive bombers on December 27th and disclosed that several of the crew were hit, Rumsey amongst them. The boat was badly shot up but they were able to make their base. He was, and may still be, in a hospital somewhere in Australia.
Previous to this action Lieutenant Ewingwas awarded the Silver Star for gallantry inaction.
The boys from "68 South Main" aremaking a fine record. Here's a toast to allof them.
LIEUTENANT (JG) F. KENT BLATCHFORD '39, I USNR, has received the Air Medal.The official citation reads:
"For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial attacks against the enemy as pilot of a dive bomber while serving with a bombing squadron operati ng in the Solomon Islands area during the period from April 26 to July 28, 1943. Lieutenant Blatchford made repeated attacks on Japanese anti-aircraft positions, shore installations, and shipping during the above mentioned tour of duty. Despite heavy concentrations of enemy anti-aircraft fire he pressed home his numerous dive bombing attacks with accuracy and determination. On July 17, Lieutenant Blatchford participated in an attack against enemy shipping in the strongly defended waters off Kahili which resulted in the sinking of four destroyers and material damage to a light cruiser. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
His father also informs me that Kent has been awarded the Silver Star for "extraord inary achievement in combat."
He is now back in this country and last fall was married to Beverly Roach of Highland Park, Illinois.
COL. EDMUND C. LANGMEAD '17, USAAF, has been awarded the Legion of Merit. His citation reads:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service. While on duty in Headquarters, Army Air Forces, from October 1939 to September 1943, Colonel Langmead displayed marked professional ability, keen judgment and devotion to duty and rendered outstanding service to the Government by integrating aircraft production with operational requirements in combat theatres and by establishing the pattern of distribution of aircraft between the United Nations. Colonel Langmead's work has contributed immeasurably to the over-all air strength of the United Nations today and to the mutual understandings and coordinated efforts essential to victory."
STAFF SERGEANT JOSEPH H. GARRY '44, USAAF, an aerial gunner, has been reported missing in action since December 6th after a mission over Greece. Sergeant Garry is a veteran of the North African, Sicilian, and Italian campaigns.
It was reported to Sergeant Garry's parents by one of the officers he served with in Africa that Joe had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the "Silver Oak Leaf Cluster," and that he would be awarded the Purple Heart as well.
Sergeant Garry was at Dartmouth two years before he enlisted, right after Pearl Harbor, in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He transferred to the United States Army Air Force in February, 1942.
LIEUTENANT WILLARD L. DOYLE '33, 1 USNR, has been presented with a citation by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in honor of his courage and gallantry in bringing to port the stricken SS Frances Parkman after it was strafed by enemy planes in the Mediterranean. The citation bore the signature of Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, and reads in part:
"Subjected to repeated attacks by hostile air forces throughout the period, the Armed Guard under your fine leadership maintained vigilant and courageous defense of your ship and the other vessels of the convoy.
"On August 13 when an enemy formation flew close aboard attacking from all directions with torpedoes, bombs and continued low-level machine gun strafing, the guns of the Frances Parkman found their targets with deadly and effective fire during action in which five hostile planes were shot down.
"For your gallant fighting spirit and the loyal devotion to duty of the men under your command you are hereby commended."
MAJOR WILLIAM D. STEVENSON '39, USMCR, has received the Legion of Merit Medal for his services as communications officer in preparing for the New Georgia campaign and his conduct in engagements there last year. His citation reads:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as communications officer of a Marine Raider Regiment during the period from April 1 to October 6, 1943.
"Major Stevenson trained the personnel and supervised the installation of equipment of communication platoons and sections of his regiment in such a manner that they were able to maintain large scale areas with a minimum of equipment.
"He devised and taught a system for intra-regimental communications that saved many hours of decoding and encoding.
"In action against the enemy he demonstrated outstanding ability as a leader and as a technical expert.
"Even in the rapidly changing situation of jungle warfare, his facilities were always available for use within a short time after the area became stable.
"His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
He also holds the Navy Cross for gallantry in action on Tulagi and Guadalcanal. (See Laureled Sons for March, 1943-)
