Navy Federal Credit Union

Corwin Mendenhall graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pintado (SS-387)

    Action Date:

    July 24 – September 14, 1944

    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 Commander Corwin Guy Mendenhall, Jr. (NSN: 0-82394), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. PINTADO (SS-387), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific Area from 24 July 10 14 September 1944. By his outstanding performance of his assigned tasks and his skillful analysis of approach problems, Lieutenant Commander Mendenhall rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting effective torpedo attacks and contributed to the success of the PINTADO in sinking two enemy freighters, two tankers and other hostile shipping for a total of 46,300 tons and in evading heavy enemy countermeasures. His courage and resourcefulness throughout the patrol reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Mendenhall and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sculpin (SS-191)

    Action Date:

    January 30 – October 26, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Corwin Guy Mendenhall, Jr. (NSN: 0-82394), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Torpedo and Gunnery Officer and Battle Station Torpedo Data Computer Operator on the U.S.S. SCULPIN (SS-191) during the SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH and FIFTH War Patrols of that Submarine in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific War Area from 30 January to 26 October 1942. Through his skill, ability and leadership, Lieutenant Commander Mendenhall was responsible for directing every torpedo hot, straight and normal, experiencing no prematures on arming during this period. On 24 March 1942, when the safety of the ship was endangered by a torpedo tube casualty, he courageously went over the side in enemy-controlled waters, without benefit of diving equipment and with only one man to tend his safety line, to inspect the damage and determine that the ship could continue on patrol station. By his consistent and proficient performance of duty during this period, he contributed materially to the success of his ship in attacks which resulted in the sinking of the 4,731-ton transport NAMINOUE, the 1,921-ton cargo ship SUMIYOSHI, and in the damaging of a Japanese destroyer and eight other ships. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pintado (SS-387)

    Action Date:

    May 16 – July 1, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Corwin Guy Mendenhall, Jr. (NSN: 0-82394), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer in the U.S.S. PINTADO (SS-387), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel from 16 May to 1 July 1944. His excellent judgment and ability, and thorough knowledge of attack problems, were of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting aggressive torpedo attacks against enemy shipping which resulted in the sinking of enemy ships totaling over 30,000 tons and damaging additional shipping of over 6,000 tons. His efficiency and coolness under severe enemy counter-measures greatly assisted his ship in conducting successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.