Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Ormsby M. Mitchel, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished... The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Ormsby M. Mitchel, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the River Gunboat U.S.S. PLYMOUTH (PG-57), during and after the sinking of that vessel through enemy action near Cape Henry, along the United States' Atlantic coast, on 5 August 1943. Lieutenant Mitchel was on the bridge at the time of the submarine attack. He had just completed evaluation of sound contact as a possible submarine, had given the "stations" order, had increased speed to 13 knots, and had started turning the ship on the attack course when a torpedo, unseen by the lookouts, crashed into the port side, amidships, and exploded. Flames immediately broke out from the engine room level to the bridge, trapping and killing many in the forward part of the ship. Lieutenant Mitchel, thrown violently against a bulkhead by the explosion sustained serious injuries including dislocation of the left knee. Nevertheless, he remained at his post during the three remaining minutes before the ship sank. When driven from the bridge by the enveloping flames, Lieutenant Mitchel was forced to jump from the bridge to the well-deck because ladders had been carried away by the initial explosion. In spite of this painful leap Lieutenant Mitchel insisted on being supported so that he could continue to give orders for abandoning ship. Several life rafts were cut away, all depth charges were set on "safe," and numerous officers and men who had been on the upper decks went over the side. Lieutenant Mitchel remained aboard his ship until it sank. He went down with his ship; then was able to reach the surface. When a raft was brought alongside Lieutenant Mitchel in the water, he pointed to other men in greater need of assistance, and refused to be taken aboard the raft until those about him had been rescued. Once aboard USCGC Calypso, Lieutenant Mitchel immediately insisted that he be supported on deck until he was assured that all rescue operations were completed or nearing completion. Subsequently he was treated for multiple burns on both hands, extending over his forearm, first and second degree burns of the face, the right leg and foot, the left leg and ankle. The conduct of Lieutenant Mitchel throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Description Sinking, 5 August 1943
On her last voyage, Plymouth departed New York City on 4 August 1943 as part of the escort for a convoy bound for Key West. At 21.37 hours the following evening she made underwaSinking, 5 August 1943
On her last voyage, Plymouth departed New York City on 4 August 1943 as part of the escort for a convoy bound for Key West. At 21.37 hours the following evening she made underwater sound contact about 90 miles east of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. As she swung left, to bear on the target, a violent underwater explosion occurred just abaft the bridge. The force of the explosion rolled Plymouth to starboard. She then took on a heavy list to port with her entire port side forward of amidships in flames. She sank within two minutes.
Lieutenant Ormsby M. Mitchel, Jr., USNR, in command of Plymouth, was thrown violently against a bulkhead and sustained serious injuries, which later required amputation of his left leg. Despite his own condition, he directed abandon ship operations, remaining at his post until the ship went down. Rescued from a raft by Calypso, Lieutenant Mitchel was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism. Soundman 3/Class Franklin A. McGinty was also awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart posthumously. Ensign Rubin Keltch, of New York City, was also awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his service aboard the Plymouth. Ensign Keltch unhesitatingly risked his life to assist several survivors to safety. After making sure they were safe he went back in to the engine room to save several men, but although the men came out he never did.
Rescue operations were hampered by heavy seas and sharks. Only 85 of the crew survived to be taken to Norfolk on 6 August. A Board of Investigation concluded that Plymouth had been sunk by a torpedo fired from an enemy submarine. The submarine was U-566. ... More
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
