Navy Federal Credit Union

Slade Cutter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1935. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seahorse (SS-304)

    Action Date:

    March 28 – April 27, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Slade Deville Cutter, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAHORSE (SS-304), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 28 March 1944 to 27 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Lieutenant Commander Cutter launched repeated torpedo attacks to sink four hostile ships totaling over 25,000 tons and to damage an enemy submarine of over 600 tons. Although subjected to severe depth charging and aerial bombing, he skillfully evaded the enemy and brought his ship safe to port. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seahorse (SS-304)

    Action Date:

    January 6 – February 16, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Slade Deville Cutter, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAHORSE (SS-304), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 6 January 1944 to 16 February 1944, in enemy controlled waters. In spite of the thorough enemy aircraft patrols and intensive methods in which the Japanese conducted their anti-submarine measures, he aggressively attacked and successfully delivered damaging torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys, sinking five enemy ships totaling over 30,000 tons. On one occasion, it was necessary to pursue an enemy convoy over a period of eighty hours and only by exceptional determination and skill was he able to penetrate the escort screen and sink two freighters, evading severe enemy counter-attacks to bring his ship back to port undamaged. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seahorse (SS-304)

    Action Date:

    July 3 – 19, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Slade Deville Cutter, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAHORSE (SS-304), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 July 1944 to 19 July 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Penetrating heavy and unusually alert escort screens, Commander Cutter pressed home well planned and executed torpedo attacks to sink six enemy ships totaling 37,000 tons and damaged an additional ship of 4,000 tons. Undaunted by severe enemy anti-submarine measures, he directed his vessel and succeeded in bringing her safe to port. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pompano (SS-181)

    Action Date:

    April 20 – June 18, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Slade Deville Cutter, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer, Navigator, and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181), during her second war patrol in the East China Sea, from 20 April 1942 to 18 June 1942. Lieutenant Cutter’s excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems as well as his skillful navigation of the ship assisted his Commanding Officer considerably in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of 16,485 tons of enemy shipping. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seahorse (SS-304)

    Action Date:

    October 20 – December 12, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Slade Deville Cutter, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAHORSE (SS-304), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 20 October 1943 to 12 December 1943, in enemy controlled waters. Alert and aggressive as he navigated dangerous seas in search of Japanese shipping, Commander Cutter conducted bold attacks against the enemy and, maintaining a high standard of efficiency throughout this important patrol, succeeded in sinking nine vessels totaling 48,000 tons, and in damaging another ship of 4,800 tons. He inspired confidence and maximum effort among the officers and men of his command, inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy and bringing his ship back to port undamaged despite intensive hostile countermeasures. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pompano (SS-181)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Slade Deville Cutter, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181), during three successive war patrols beginning on 18 December 1941. With outstanding skill and courage, Lieutenant Cutter carried out his duties during aggressive attacks against the enemy which resulted in the sinking of a large amount of hostile shipping. His excellent judgment, resourcefulness, and bravery in actions contributed materially to the success of the ship.