page_title: Morton C. Mumma
section_title: Patrol boat service
hierarchical_section_title: Morton C. Mumma / World War II / Patrol boat service
caption_attribution_description: English: The PT-boat jetty at Tufi, Papua New Guinea in 1944 during World War 2. Tufi was the first PT advance base in New Guinea. From At Close Quarters: PT Boats in the United States Navy, published by the US Naval History Division, 1962.
context_page_description: Rear Admiral Morton Claire Mumma, Jr. was a senior officer in the United States Navy. He was awarded the Navy Cross for actions on 13 December 1941 while commanding USS Sailfish during World War II. He later served as naval aide to Secretary James Forrestal in 1944–45, and retired in 1946. Mumma was president of the National Rifle Association from 1955 to 1957, and at his death was on the association's executive council.
context_section_description: Following duty with the Southwest Pacific submarine staff, and then as naval liaison to Fifth Air Force, on 5 February 1943 Mumma became Commander, Task Group 50.1, the PT boats in the Southwest Pacific. On 15 March, with the creation the US Seventh Fleet, Task Group 50.1 became Task Group 70.1, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Seventh Fleet. Mumma "was responsible directly to, and only to, the Commander Seventh Fleet. Furthermore, from the start he had full operational control of his boats, and specific areas were assigned for PT operations. As a task group commander he received complete information as to the movements of other naval vessels." Mumma's headquarters were at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
  In early March 1943, Mumma's PT boats, leaving from Tufi, Papua New Guinea, took part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Late 3 March, Mumma's boats sank the Oigawa Maru (6,493 tons). In April, Mumma moved his advance base from Tufi to Morobe, Papua New Guinea.
  Nassau Bay, southeast of Salamaua, was captured at Mumma's suggestion that a supply base there would shorten the supply line to the 3rd Australian Division. Mumma's PT boats were used for the first time as troop carriers, carrying 70 soldiers in addition to the crew.
  Mumma's PT boats continued their raiding actions in support of the New Guinea campaign. In December 1943, Mumma received this letter from Australian General Frank H. Berryman:
  H.Q. 2 AUST CORPS, 1 Dec. 43.
  Commander M. C. MUMMA USN,
  Comd MTB Squadrons, Seventh Fleet, US NAVY
  On behalf of 2 Aust Corps I wish to express appreciation of the excellent work being done by units of your command in the VITIAZ STRAITS area.
  The immediate success of their operations will have been evident to the personnel as witness the continual and steady destruction of the enemy's barges over the last few months.
  But there is another and more far reaching aspect of these operations which I feel should be made known to all taking part, and that is the telling effect which has been wrought upon the enemy's land forces in the FINSCHHAFEN area.
  The following evidence emerging from the recent operations will illustrate the cumulative effect of the activities of your command.
  The small degree to which the enemy has used artillery indicates a shortage of ammunition.
  The enemy, in an endeavour to protect his barges, has been forced to dispose his normal field artillery over 50 miles of coast when those guns might well have been used in the coastal sector against our land troops.
  Many Japanese diary entries describe the shortage of rations and the regular fatigues of foraging parties to collect native food, which are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.
  A Japanese PW [prisoner of war] stated that three days rice augmented by native food now has to last 9 days, this is supported by the absence of food and the presence of native roots on enemy dead.
  There is definite evidence that the enemy has in one area slaughtered and eaten his pack-carrying animals.
  There is evidence that reinforcements have arrived in the WEWAK area, but, it is believed, the enemy has been unable to send large numbers forward because of his inability to maintain larger forces in the forward area.
  A PW states that the enemy has been forced to send carrying parties back to KANOMI to carry supplies, thus reducing the fighting troops capable of being placed against our land troops.
  
  From the above you will see how effective has been the work of your squadrons, and how it has contributed to the recent defeat of the enemy.
  Without your willing cooperation it would not have been possible for our officers to visit FINSCHHAFEN quickly or to have ensured the timely arrival of urgently needed medical supplies such as blood plasma. The number of officers you have carried from BUNA to FINSCHHAFEN has been considerable and must at times have been a strain on the food supplies in your PT Boats, but at all times the courtesy and open hearted hospitality has been most marked and has been deeply appreciated.
  All ranks of 2 Aust Corps appreciate your help, and, I know, will join me 
caption: The PT boat jetty at Tufi.
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