Kenneth H. Muir
Born: July 25, 1916 at New York, New York
Home Town: Pelham, New York
Status: MIA
Navy Cross
World War II
U.S. Navy
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth H. Muir, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of the United States Navy Armed Guard on board the S.S. NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE, destroyed in the Caribbean Sea by enemy torpedoes on 6 November 1942. In the glow of salt water flares that lighted up the stern of the sinking ship, Ensign Muir, disregarding his own severe injuries and great suffering, ordered the three men near him to leap clear of the ship and then rushed back to help more of his men to escape. He was still urging his gunners over the side when the ship went down. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 (October 1943)