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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Birton Eugene McMullen (NSN: 0-320519), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VT-29), attached to the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Participating in a torpedo strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McMullen courageously pressed home a low-level attack in the face of intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire to score a direct hit on a hostile battleship, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of the enemy vessel and the disrupting of a menacing threat to our forces on Okinawa. His airmanship and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Helicopter Squadron ONE

    Action Date:

    June 13, 1952
    All Hands (April 1954)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Birton Eugene McMullen (NSN: 0-320519), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Helicopter Squadron ONE, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 June 1952.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Helicopter Squadron ONE

    Division:

    U.S.S. LST 799

    Action Date:

    June 13, 1952
    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 215 (February 3, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Birton Eugene McMullen (NSN: 0-320519), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Pilot of a Helicopter in Helicopter Squadron ONE, based on board the U.S.S. LST 799, during a rescue mission near Wonson, Korea, on 13 June 1952. Skillfully piloting his helicopter at low altitude over the mountainous terrain to the scene of a pilot downed in enemy territory, Lieutenant McMullen expertly maneuvered his vulnerable plane in the face of intense hostile rifle and machine-gun fire and succeeded in reaching a position where his crewman could lower the rescue sling and recover the downed airman. While returning to his base, he sighted another pilot in the water approximately 400 yards from shoreline and quickly carried out a second rescue, returning both airmen to safety. His superb airmanship, outstanding courage and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Lieutenant McMullen and the United States Naval Service.