Morton Deyo
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| Morton Lyndholm Deyo | |
|---|---|
| July 1, 1887 - November 1973 | |
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit |
Vice Admiral Morton Lyndholm Deyo (1 July 1887 – November 1973) was an officer in the United States Navy, who was a naval gunfire support task force commander of World War II.
Born in New York and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, 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 provided naval gunfire support at Utah Beach in the Normandy invasion as well as during the invasion of Southern France.
At some point, Rear Admiral Deyo took over Cruiser Division 13 (CruDiv 13) from Rear Admiral Laurance T. DuBose. The Division consisted of four light cruisers - USS Biloxi, USS Birmingham, USS Mobile, and USS Santa Fe.
Admiral Deyo commanded gunfire and covering force for the assault and occupation 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 Occupational of Western Japan.
His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit with Gold Star.
The destroyer USS Deyo (DD-989) was named for him.
