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Commander Jeremiah S. Morton
retired from active duty July 31, 1954, after nearly 26 years
 of
faithful and outstanding service in the U.S. Coast and Geodetic
Survey. He graduated in June 1923 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute
in Blacksburg, Virginia with the Degree of Bachelor of Science
in Civil Engineering and on October 22, 1928, entered on duty
in this bureau as Deck Officer and was assigned to sea duty aboard
the Ship LYDONIA . During his long career he served in various
capacities aboard the Ships MIKAWE, OCEANOGRAPHER, GILBERT, and
as Commanding Officer of the COWIE, PARKER, and STIRNI on the
Atlantic Coast, and on the Pacific Coast aboard the LESTER JONES,
DERICKSON, and Executive Officer of the EXPLORER. He was chief
of various geodetic parties, and from 1939 to 1941 was engaged
on astronomic and first-order triangulation covering 39 states.
He assisted in the organization of the Aeronautical Chart Branch,
Chart Division, and served as Chief of that branch for nearly
3 years, in which capacity he proved his ability on administrative
work with the civilian personnel, and was responsible for many
improvements in organization and methods. He graduated July 2,
1952, from the Armed Forces Staff in Norfolk, Virginia, after
completing a special course of instruction.
During World War II Commander Morton served in the United States
Marine Corps from December 22, 1942 to October 28, 1944, advancing
in rank from Lieutenant to Commander, and received the following
decorations and citation: BRONZE STAR MEDAL WITH COMBAT "V"--"For
meritorious achievement as Survey and Meteorological Officer,
while serving with the FOURTEENTH Marines, Fourth Marine Division,
during the assault and capture of enemy Japanese-held Saipan,
Marianas Island, from June 15 to July 9, 1944. Repeatedly coming
under heavy Japanese rifle and mortar fire, Lieutenant Commander
(then Commander) Morton surveyed the artillery positions and
checked the accuracy of the map being used as an artillery fire
chart. By his outstanding skill and initiative, Commander Morton
contributed materially to the success of this operation, and
his fortitude and zealous devotion to duty reflect the highest
credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service;" and
the Atlantic War Zone Ribbon of the Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Commander Morton was promoted to the honorary rank of Captain
on retirement on the recommendation of the Secretary of Commerce
and Secretary of the Navy in recognition of his meritorious
service in combat with the Fourth Division during the assault
and capture of Saipan.
THE BUZZARD, 8/17/1954
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