Paul Geddes Pennoyer Jr 192–2010 was a World War II pilot awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for Air Group 28 attached to the USS Monterey during the first battle of the Philippines Sea on 20 June 1944. Per the citation: “The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Paul Geddes Pennoyer, Jr., United States Naval Reserve … for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy. The attack was pressed under intense anti-aircraft fire from many heavily armed units of the enemy Fleet and was prosecuted with cool deliberation and disregard of extreme personal danger. His attack was carried to a low level to insure definite damage to the enemy and resulted in three hits and a near miss on an enemy carrier. After the attack he successfully flew his plane after dark through unfavorable weather, a distance of 300 miles, to his parent carrier whereupon he made a safe landing. His skill and display of courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Pennoyer also received the Air Medal for strikes in the Solomon Islands in June and July 1943. He was presented the Gold Star by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal in September of 1944. As a pilot of the Torpedo Bombers, he was awarded a second Gold Star, and presented a Gold Star again for his achievement piloting a Torpedo Bomber in the Philippines May through December 1944.

Pennoyer, grandson of J.P. Morgan, grew up in Locust Valley, New York and graduated from Harvard Law School. Upon graduation, he joined the Law Firm of Bigham, Englar Jones & Houston, where he created the Aviation Department. He later became a partner and principal litigator at Chadbourne, Parke, Whiteside & Wolf where he specialized in Anti-Trust, Securities, and Federal Agency cases.