U.S.S. Allen M. Sumner DD-692
The Men who saved the Sumner

After reading the reports of the damage sustained in the kamikaze attack it becomes quite evident that some of the crew had gone beyond the call of duty and performed heroic actions that enabled Sumner to survive and remain on station. The following documents are from the collection of Jesse Marney and display a bit of the story as he and three other crewmen were awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V". We are indebted to these brave men and the men they directed in saving not only themselves but one of the great destroyers of our time.

George Raymond BOCK, Chief Electrician's Mate, USN

Clifford Henry FIEDLER, Chief Gunner's Mate, USN

Arthur Leon LOWTHER, Chief Boatswain's Mate, USN

Jesse Earl MARNEY, Machinist's Mate First Class, USN

 

 

Cover letter from Vice Admiral Barbey, Commander 7th Fleet

Individual letter from Captain Sampson

The Citation from Vice Admiral Barbey, Commander 7th Fleet

The Citation from James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy

The medal catches up in August, 1947

Many thanks to Jesse for copying and forwarding these documents on to us.
Shipmate who has been called to the final muster