Henry Glass Munson, USN
| Born | 31 Dec 1909 | Manila, Philippine Islands | |
| Died | 17 Jul 1975 | (65) |
| Ranks
Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Henry Glass Munson, USN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| USS S-38 (143) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | Jan 1942 | Nov 1942 |
| USS Crevalle (291) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 24 Jun 1943 | 16 Mar 1944 |
| USS Rasher (269) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | Jul 1944 | Sep 44 ? |
| USS Myles C. Fox (DD 829) | Cdr | Destroyer | Jan 1948 | Apr 1949 |
Career information
Henry Glass Munson was born in Manila, Philippine islands, on December 31, 1909, son of Mrs. Francis M. (Katharine Glass) Munson and the late Lieutenant F.M. Munson, Medical Corps, USN. He at-tended San Diego, California, High School, and after his enlistment in the U. S. Navy on June 28, 1927, completed the Naval Academy Preparatory Course at the Naval Training Station, San Diego, and entered the U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, on June 29, 1928, as Midshipman from California. He was graduated and commissioned Ensign in the U. S. Navy on June 2, 1932, and through subsequent advancement attained the rank of Captain, to date from January 1, 1951.
Detached from the Naval Academy in June 1932, he joined the USS WEST VIRGINIA, in which he had various junior officer duties while that battleship (BB-48) operated as Flagship for Commander Battleships, and Commander Battleship Division 4, Battle Fleet. After three years' duty on board the WEST VIRGINIA, he served for ten months as Gunnery and Deck Officer of the USS BRIDGE, provision store ship, and remained at sea from April through December 1936 as Gunnery Officer of the USS ELLIS (DD-154).
He had submarine instruction at the U. S. Submarine School, New London, Connecticut, and from June 1937 until June 1939 served as Engineering Officer of the USS PORPOISE (SS-172). He then had shore duty at the U. S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H., as Mine Overhaul Officer, and in August 1940 joined the USS SCULPIN (SS-191) as Executive officer. As such he organized and trained the first submarine relief crews during the period immediately preceding the Japanese attack on the Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
From January 1942 until January 1943 he commanded the USS S-38 (SS-143), and during that period rescued 54 survivors of HMS ELECTRA, a British vessel lost by enemy action during the Battle of Java Sea in March 1942, and the same month conducted the first bombardment by a submarine of a Japanese-held shore position on Bawean island, Java Sea.
Returning to the Southwest Pacific Area, he commissioned and commanded the USS CREVALLE (SS-291) from March 1943 until March 1944, and participated in the first two of the successful War Patrols for which that submarine was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. He commanded Relief Crews while serving on the Staff of the Commander Submarine Squadron 16 to the Southwest Pacific Theater from March to July 1944, then for four months was Commanding Officer of the USS RASHER (SS-269), which was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for heroic action for her First, Third, Fourth and Fifth War Patrols in the Pacific during the period September 1943 until September 1944, the fifth Patrol being under his command.
For heroism and outstanding achievement in action in the Southwest Pacific Area, from December 1941 until November 1944, during which time he conducted several successful war patrols and sank numerous vessels, including a Japanese Naval carrier of TAKA class in a night surface torpedo action (October 1944) off Vlgan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, he was awarded the Navy Cross, with 2 Gold Stars in lieu of two additional awards, and two Letters of Commendation, with Ribbon, Star and Combat V. The citations follow, in part:
Navy Cross: "For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS CREVALLE on patrol in enemy-controlled waters from October 27 to December 7, 1943...Commander Munson took advantage of every favorable attack opportunity and, fighting his ship with determined aggressiveness, succeeded in sinking or damaging an important amount of vital hostile shipping. Displaying skillful evasive tactics in the face of vigorous enemy countermeasures, he handled his vessel with outstanding proficiency and brilliant seamanship, bringing the CREVALLE through each fierce engagement without damage.”
Gold Star in lieu of Second Navy Cross: "For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS CREVALLE, during the Second War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from December 30, 1943 to February 20, 1944. Vigilantly searching the seas for Japanese shipping, (he) pursued one hostile ship for fifteen hours and, driven off four times by enemy escorts, relentlessly returned to press home his attack, climaxing this prolonged chase and engagement by sending the enemy to the bottom. With only two worthwhile contacts picked up by the CREVALLE, he requested and received a five-day extension of the regular patrol period, setting out with renewed vigor to intercept Japanese surface units. Tracking one escorted convoy of nine ships covered by hostile aircraft from mid-morning until dark, (he) directed the gallant submarine in a bold night surface attack and succeeded in scoring torpedo hits upon six enemy vessels...and escaping damage despite wild Japanese gunfire and intense depth-charge barrages. Under his brilliant leadership, the CREVALLE completed a daring patrol in the face of terrific opposition, sinking three freighters, one armed patrol tug and a sailing craft, and damaging four other hostile ships..."
USS Crevalle, SS-293.
Gold Star in lieu of Third Navy Cross: "For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS RASHER during the Fifth War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese waters from June 22 to September 3, 1944, and as Commander of the Coordinated Attack Group of two submarines during that period. Skillfully maneuvering his ship to penetrate strong enemy escort screens maintained around enemy shipping, Commander Munson launched bold, aggressive attacks in the face of heavy and persistent countermeasures, to score twenty-one hits out of twenty-four torpedoes fined sinking five enemy ships totaling 22,000 tons. Planning and efficiently handling his own ship and another as a group, he enabled the other to sink two 10,000-ton enemy tankers and a large freighter of 19,500 tons..."
USS Rasher, SS-269.
Letter of Commendation: "For meritorious conduct in action as Commanding Officer of the USS S-38 during the Fourth War Patrol of that vessel from 22 February 1942 to 13 March 1942. With great daring and consummate skill the Commanding Officer delivered smashing torpedo attacks which severely damaged a 7,500 ton enemy cruiser. Severe enemy countermeasures kept the S-38 at deep submergence and further observations on the possible sinking of this valuable enemy vessel were impossible. The Commanding Officer skillfully evaded determined enemy counterattacks and brought his ship back to port safely..."
S-38, SS-143, commissioned in 1917.
Second Letter of Commendation: "For meritorious conduct...as Commanding Officer of the USS S-38 during the Seventh War Patrol of that vessel from 28 July 1942 to 22 August 1942...(He) conducted a successful torpedo attack which resulted in the sinking of 8,000 tons of enemy shipping...and brought his ship safely back to port.”
Detached from the USS RASHER in November 1944, Captain Munson returned to the U. S. Submarine School, New London, for a tour of duty as instructor and Assistant Officer in Charge, in November 1946 he became Commander Submarine Division 71, and as such conducted the first submarine launched guided missile firings. From January 1948 until April 1949 he commanded the USS MYLES C. FOX (DD-829), then reported to the Naval Postgraduate School, Annapolis, Maryland, for instruction in Advanced Science (General Physics) which he completed at the California institute of Technology at Pasadena in June 1952, receiving the degree of Master of Science.
In August 1952 he assumed command of the USS MISPILLION (AO-105), which participated in action in the Korean Area under the United Nations Command. He received a Third Letter of Commendation, with Star for his Commendation Ribbon (and Combat "V" authorized), "For meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the USS MISPILLION during combat operations against enemy North Korean and Chinese Communist forces in the Korean Theater from 14 February 1952 to 9 June 1953..."
While he was in command of the USS MISPILLION, his ship rescued fourteen survivors of a Chinese merchant ship, LIEN SHENG, lost at sea by fire in Formosa Strait in May 1952. Detached from that command in July 1953, he was ordered to the Navy Department, Washington, D. C., for a tour of shore duty in the Bureau of Ordnance as Systems Director, Nuclear Applications, He commanded Destroyer Squadron 3 in 1956 and early 1957. While in command of Destroyer Squadron 3, he directed the rescue of the passengers and crew of the New Zealand Passenger ship MATUA grounded in the Fiji islands, and accomplished the salvaging of the ship in early 1957.
Under orders of April 17, 1957 became Deputy Hydrographer, Hydrographic Office, Navy Department. On March 26, 1959, he was designated Hydrographer of the Navy, under the Chief of Naval Operations. While Hydrographer Captain Munson planned the course of the USS Triton’s SSRN-586 submerged circumnavigation in 1960 and staffed the vessel to take a complete bathyscopic and magnetic survey of the globe along her course.
In late 1960 he was attached to the Bureau of Inspection and Survey, and served as ‘a test pilot and strategy instructor’ for new nuclear attack submarines on their acceptance trials. He retired to Princeton NJ in 1961, where he directed RCA Labs Military Systems office, before retiring again and teaching Physics at Princeton High School. Captain Munson died July 17, 1975.
In addition to the Navy Cross with two Gold Stars in lieu of additional awards, the Commendation Ribbon with two stars and Combat "V," the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and the Navy Commendation Ribbon, Captain Munson has the American Defense Service Medal with star; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two operation stars; American Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal China Service Medal (extended); National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; and United Nations Service Medal.
Captain Munson married the former Anna M. Olsen of Waukegan, Illinois in Honolulu in 1939. They had two sons, John Henry Munson (deceased 1987) and Christopher James Munson, of Arlington Virginia, and two grandchildren, Marianna Munson Erenhouse, and Noel Christopher West Munson. Captain Munson and Anna’s remains were interned in the Pacific Ocean west of Kauai on February 6th, 2002.
John, Anna, Hank and Christopher Munson, 1952
Original Text by U.S. NAVY - Office of Information Biographies Branch 8 May 1959
Edited and updated by Christopher Munson, January 2006
Events related to this officer
Submarine USS S-38 (143)
25 Jan 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs Surabaya for her 3rd war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in Makassar Strait off Balikpapan.
16 Feb 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) ends her 3rd war patrol at Surabaya.
22 Feb 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs Surabaya for her 4th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.
26 Feb 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) shells Japanese facilities at Sangkapura, Bawean Island.
28 Feb 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) picks up 54 survivors from the British destroyer HMS Electra. On 1 March the survivors were transferred to a surface ship in Madoera Strait. S-38 then continues her patrol.
2 Mar 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) fires four torpedoes against the Japanese light cruiser Kinu (offsite link) north-east of Cape Awarawar. All four torpedoes missed their target. USS S-38 later fires two torpedoes against a Japanese destroyer but these also miss.
3 Mar 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) is ordered to proceed to Fremantle, Australia.
5 Mar 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) trnasits Lombok Strait.
13 Mar 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) ends her 4th war patrol at Fremantle. S-38 later proceeds to Brisbane on Australia's east coast.
28 Apr 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs Brisbane for her 5th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off New Guinea.
24 May 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) ends her 5th war patrol at Brisbane.
24 Jun 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs Brisbane for her 6th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the Solomon Islands.
7 Jul 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) ends her 6th war patrol at Brisbane. She was forced to return to base early because of mechanical problems.
28 Jul 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs Brisbane for her 7th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off New Britain and New Ireland.
8 Aug 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) toroedoes and sinks the Japanese transport ship Meiyo Maru (5628 GRT) at the southern entrance of the St. George Channel, between New Britain and New Ireland in position 04º52'S, 152º42'E.
22 Aug 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) ends her 7th war patrol at Brisbane.
21 Sep 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs Brisbane for her 8th war patrol. She is to proceed to Pearl Harbour and then to the US west coast for an overhaul. en-route she is to reconnoiter several of the Gilbert Islands.
25 Sep 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) toppes off with fuel at Noumea, she departs the next day.
10 Oct 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs the Gilbert Islands area bound for Pearl Harbour.
6 Nov 1942
USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) arrives at San Diego, California for an overhaul.
Submarine USS Crevalle (291)
1 Sep 1943
With her trials and initial training completed USS Crevalle (Lt Cmdr Henry Glass Munson) departs New London bound for the Panama Canal zone.
9 Sep 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) arrives at Coco Solo in the Panama Canal Zone.
13 Sep 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) transits the Panama Canal.
14 Sep 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) departs Balboa, Panama Canal Zone bound for Brisbane, Australia.
17 Sep 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt Cmdr Henry Glass Munson) calls at South Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands to take on additional fuel and provisions.
26 Sep 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) calls at Pitcairn Island to make some repairs to the hydraulic system.
11 Oct 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) arrives at Brisbane.
20 Oct 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) departs Brisbane for her 1st war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Sulu and South China Seas.
27 Oct 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) refuels at Darwin, Australia.
15 Nov 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese army cargo ship Kyokko Maru (6783 GRT) west of Manila, Philippines in position 14º53'N, 119º56'E.
7 Dec 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) ends her 1st war patrol at Fremantle, Australia.
30 Dec 1943
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) departs Fremantle for her 2nd war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.
9 Jan 1944
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) sinks a Japanese sampam with gunfire in Makassar Strait in position 00º30'N, 119º10'E.
14 Jan 1944
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) lays mines east of Saigon, French Indo-China.
15 Jan 1944
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) lays more mines east of Saigon, French Indo-China.
26 Jan 1944
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese auxiliary gunboat Busho Maru (2569 GRT) in the South China Sea about 175 nautical miles south-east of Cape St. Jacques, French Indo-China in position 08º30'N, 109º10'E.
11 Feb 1944
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) sinks a small armed Japanese tug with gunfire off the east coast of Borneo in position 05º00'N, 119º06'E.
28 Feb 1944
USS Crevalle (Lt.Cdr. Henry Glass Munson) ends her 2nd war patrol at Fremantle.
16 Mar 1944
Lt Cmdr Francis David Walker, Jr. takes over command from Cmdr Henry Glass Munson.
Submarine USS Rasher (269)
22 Jul 1944
USS Rasher (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departs Fremantle for her 5th war patrol. she was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.
6 Aug 1944
USS Rasher (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese army cargo ship Shiroganesan Maru (4379 GRT) in the South China Sea west of Luzon, Philippines in position 14º10'N, 117º12'E.
18 Aug 1944
While attacking a Japanese convoy in the South China Sea off the west coast of Luzon, Philippines USS Rasher (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese escort carrier Taiyo (17830 tons, offsite link), the Japanese troop transport Teia Maru (17537 GRT, former French Aramis) and the Japanese army cargo ship Eishin Maru (542 GRT) in position 18º16'N, 120º21'E. Rasher also torpedoes and sinks the Japanese oiler Teiyo Maru (9849 GRT) southwest of Cape Bojeador in position 18º09'N, 120º13'E, and finally she torpedoes and damages the Japanese troop transport Noshiro Maru (7184 GRT) southwest of Cape Bojeador in position 18º09'N, 119º56'E.
3 Sep 1944
USS Rasher (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) ends her 5th war patrol at Pearl Harbour. She is now sent to the Hunters Point Navy Yard for a major overhaul.