Verne Donald Mudge Major General, U.S. Army During early 1941, as a Major, Mudge served as Chief of Staff of the 1st Cavalry Division. In late 1941, then-Lieutenant Colonel Mudge was Commanding Officer of the 5th Cavalry Brigade. In 1943, then-Brigadier General Mudge was Commanding Officer of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. In August 1944, then-Major General Mudge became Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division and remained through February 1945. On 28 February 1945, Major General Verne Donald Mudge was serving as Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army. On that day, MG Mudge’s 1st Cavalry Division was in action against Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands. Following the dramatic race to Manila and the freeing of the 3,700 internees at Santo Tomas University, the First Cavalry Division, under MG Mudge’s command, moved on toward the summer capital of Baguio, Northeast of Manila. During this action, MG Mudge was severely wounded by a grenade and evacuated. MG Mudge’s leadership, bravery and devotion to duty that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. Mudge retired as a Major General on 30 November 1946.
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Verne Donald Mudge (ASN: 0-12679), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 February 1945 in the Philippine Islands. Following the dramatic race to Manila and the freeing of the 3,700 internees at Santo Tomas University, the First Cavalry Division, under General Verne's command, moved on toward the summer capital of Baguio. Northeast of Manila. During this action General Verne was severely wounded by a grenade and evacuated. Major General Mudge's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 49 (1945) Death and Burial Major General Verne Donald Mudge died on 29 January 1957 at San Diego, CA. He is buried at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, San Diego County, CA in Section I, Site 234-A.
Source: Military Hall of Honor