Damon M. Cummings was a United States Navy officer who received a posthumous Navy Cross for his actions during World War II. Cummings was born on January 30, 1910 in Belvidere, Illinois and he graduated from the United States Naval Academy on June 4, 1931. While serving on the staff of Vice Admiral William F. Halsey— the Commander, South Pacific Force (COMSOPAC) -- Lieutenant Commander Cummings was killed in action on board the heavy cruiser on the night of 12-13 November 1942 during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. For his heroism and determination during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, Cummings was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.
During World War II, the U.S. Navy destroyer escort was named for Lieutenant Commander Cummings. Her construction was cancelled in 1943 before she could be completed. In 1944, the destroyer escort was named in his honor.
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