What's that big torpedo on Frederica? (Morton, USNA Class of 1930)
Hundreds of people drive past James L. Yates American Legion Post 9 at 736 Frederica St. each day with no idea what that torpedo this. It's an interesting story.
In October 1994, a memorial honoring Cmdr. Dudley "Mush" Morton and his 80-man crew was dedicated on the grounds of the American Legion Post when it was at 118 W. Veterans Blvd., Owensboro, KY.
One has an image of the famous submariner and a list of his exploits. The other names the 80 men who died with him aboard the Wahoo in 1943.
Morton was born in the 1400 block of West Second Street on July 17, 1907.
In 1926, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy, where according to legend, his Kentucky accent gave him the nickname "Mushmouth" — later shortened to "Mush."
He graduated in 1930 and was assigned to submarines three years later.
BZ USNA 1930!