Criteria
The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during the Second World War.
Description From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the I... From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the Indian ocean, Java sea and other points in the South Pacific.
Description The American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe aThe American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe and Asia. Thus, any threat by the Axis Powers to invade the mainland United States or other areas was considered negligible, allowing for American resources to be deployed in overseas theaters.
This article includes attacks on continental territory, extending 200 miles (320 km) into the ocean, which is today under the sovereignty of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other smaller states, but excludes military action involving the Danish territory of Greenland, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Aleutian Islands. The most well known battles in North America during World War II were the Attack on Pearl Harbor (the first attack on US soil since the Battle of Ambos Nogales), the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and the attacks on Newfoundland.... More
Memories From an article dated September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagementFrom an article dated September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the Indian ocean, Java sea and other points in the South Pacific.... More
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the I... From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the Indian ocean, Java sea and other points in the South Pacific.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the I... From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the Indian ocean, Java sea and other points in the South Pacific.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the I... From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the Indian ocean, Java sea and other points in the South Pacific.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the I... From a hometown release, The Sheboygan Press, 3 September 1943: LCDR Biwerse is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and naval engagements in the South Pacific area. Since then he has been in the Solomons, the Indian ocean, Java sea and other points in the South Pacific.
Other Memories
Lieutenant Biwerse, and 11 other survivers of the attack on the USS Panay, witnessed the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Description
Lieutenant Biwerse, and 11 other survivers of the attack on the USS Panay, witnessed the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Description
Lieutenant Biwerse, and 11 other survivers of the attack on the USS Panay, witnessed the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Chain of Command
Assigned to USS Asheville, but was filling in (since September) on the Panay when attacked by Japanese air strikes, December 1937.
Other Memories
The patrol gunboat Asheville (PG-21) - launched on 4 July 1918 and commissioned on 6 July 1920 - spent the larger part of her service as a part of the Asiatic Fleet with extensive service in China as a member of the Yangtze Patrol and in the Philippines. From 1929-1931, she was stationed in the Caribbean and Nicaragua during the so called Banana Wars. She was part of the Asiatic Fleet at the outbreak of World War II. The ship was on patrol in the Philippines when Pearl Harbor was attacked on 8 December 1941 (7 December in Hawaii). Ordered south by CINCAF to the Dutch East Indies (N.E.I.) in December 1941 with most of the rest of the American surface fleet, Asheville escaped early destruction only by making a tense 12-day, 2,000 mi (3,200 km) voyage to the south coast of Java.
Chain of Command
Assigned to USS Asheville, but was filling in (since September) on the Panay when attacked by Japanese air strikes, December 1937.
Other Memories
The patrol gunboat Asheville (PG-21) - launched on 4 July 1918 and commissioned on 6 July 1920 - spent the larger part of her service as a part of the Asiatic Fleet with extensive service in China as a member of the Yangtze Patrol and in the Philippines. From 1929-1931, she was stationed in the Caribbean and Nicaragua during the so called Banana Wars. She was part of the Asiatic Fleet at the outbreak of World War II. The ship was on patrol in the Philippines when Pearl Harbor was attacked on 8 December 1941 (7 December in Hawaii). Ordered south by CINCAF to the Dutch East Indies (N.E.I.) in December 1941 with most of the rest of the American surface fleet, Asheville escaped early destruction only by making a tense 12-day, 2,000 mi (3,200 km) voyage to the south coast of Java.
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments ATTACK ON THE USS PANAY, LISTED AS:
ENSIGN BIWERSE HAD CLOTHING BLOWN OFF AND WAS SEVERELY SHOCKED.
LTjg Denis H. Biwerse, the Panay's communications officer, saw the first bomb hit. He stepped out ont... ATTACK ON THE USS PANAY, LISTED AS:
ENSIGN BIWERSE HAD CLOTHING BLOWN OFF AND WAS SEVERELY SHOCKED.
LTjg Denis H. Biwerse, the Panay's communications officer, saw the first bomb hit. He stepped out onto the port deck forward, glimpsed aircraft, and thought lie heard a burst of machine-gun fire; the next thing he knew he was sitting daxed on the deck, his uniform completely blown off except for his shirt, which was in rags, in addition to nearly stripping Biwerse, the first bomb liad knocked out the bow g-inch gun, wrecked the pilot house, damaged the radio equipment, ruptured the main fuel line, and wounded the captain severely. MoreHide
Criteria The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in... The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937, and September 7, 1939; or who Served ashore in China or were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of operations in China between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. Military services performed in the Asiatic-Pacific area between September 2, 1945 and March 2, 1946 could be credited for eligibility for the China Service Medal unless the individual was eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal based on service performed prior to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Criteria To commemorate the services performed by the personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps during the operations in the valley of the Yangtze River, China, in 1926 and 1927, and 1930 and 1932, a medal to be ... To commemorate the services performed by the personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps during the operations in the valley of the Yangtze River, China, in 1926 and 1927, and 1930 and 1932, a medal to be known as the Yangtze Service Medal will be issued to the officers and enlisted men who participated in those operations. The period for which these medals will be issued is from 3 September 1926 to 21 October 1927, and from 1 March 1930 to 31 December 1932, and any officer or enlisted man of the Navy or Marine Corps who served on shore at Shanghai or in the valley of the Yangtze River, China, with a landing force during these periods or part of such periods is entitled to this medal, as are the officers and enlisted men who were attached to the vessels mentioned in the following list between the dates appearing beside and below each vessel. No officer or enlisted man is entitled to more than one such medal. MoreHide
Description The bombing started at 1:35 PM; the order to abandon ship was given at about 2 PM; the bombing continued even while we were sending our survivors ashore, which was completed at about 3 PM; the ship saThe bombing started at 1:35 PM; the order to abandon ship was given at about 2 PM; the bombing continued even while we were sending our survivors ashore, which was completed at about 3 PM; the ship sank at about 4 PM.... More
Memories USS Panay, December 1937 The youngest officer on board was Lieutenant Junior Grade Denis Harry BiwersUSS Panay, December 1937 The youngest officer on board was Lieutenant Junior Grade Denis Harry Biwerse, communications officer, a 25-year-old Wisconsinite who was assigned to the USS Asheville, but was filling in on the Panay until a replacement arrived from the states.
LTjg Biwerse had stepped out onto the forward port deck and was hit by the first explosion. He was dazed and sat on the deck with his uniform completely blown off except for his shirt. The bomb caused massive damage to the Panay, knocking out the 3-inch bow gun, wrecking the pilot house, destroying the radio equipment, toppling the main mast, rupturing the main fuel line, damaging the sick bay, puncturing the fire room, and severely wounding several other crewmen.
After recovering, Biwerse destroyed confidential publications, sank the code book, gathered clothes and blankets, collected rations and fresh eggs, and took a Lewis machine gun and ammunition. He also released the steam in the boilers to avoid an explosion when the cold river water hit the engine room. Dazed and in shock, Biwerse was one of the last to abandon ship.... More
Description The bombing started at 1:35 PM; the order to abandon ship was given at about 2 PM; the bombing continued even while we were sending our survivors ashore, which was completed at about 3 PM; the ship saThe bombing started at 1:35 PM; the order to abandon ship was given at about 2 PM; the bombing continued even while we were sending our survivors ashore, which was completed at about 3 PM; the ship sank at about 4 PM.... More
Memories USS Panay, December 1937 The youngest officer on board was Lieutenant Junior Grade Denis Harry BiwersUSS Panay, December 1937 The youngest officer on board was Lieutenant Junior Grade Denis Harry Biwerse, communications officer, a 25-year-old Wisconsinite who was assigned to the USS Asheville, but was filling in on the Panay until a replacement arrived from the states.
LTjg Biwerse had stepped out onto the forward port deck and was hit by the first explosion. He was dazed and sat on the deck with his uniform completely blown off except for his shirt. The bomb caused massive damage to the Panay, knocking out the 3-inch bow gun, wrecking the pilot house, destroying the radio equipment, toppling the main mast, rupturing the main fuel line, damaging the sick bay, puncturing the fire room, and severely wounding several other crewmen.
After recovering, Biwerse destroyed confidential publications, sank the code book, gathered clothes and blankets, collected rations and fresh eggs, and took a Lewis machine gun and ammunition. He also released the steam in the boilers to avoid an explosion when the cold river water hit the engine room. Dazed and in shock, Biwerse was one of the last to abandon ship. Four years later, to the month, Lieutenant Biwerse was in Pearl Harbor.... More
1183 Lt. Comdr. S. M. Haight. comdg 2330 Lt. F. S. Steinbauer. exec 4865 Lt. (jg) L. .1. Bellis, 1st It 5208 Lt. (jg) J. B. Smith, eng 5375 Lt. (.ig) W. A. Schraid. gun 5940 Ens. D. H. Biwerse, commun
1547 Lt. Comdr. A. T. Sprague, jr., comrlg. 3366 Lt. J. M. Sweeney (exec.) 3963 Lt. (jg) L. R. Miller (eng.) 4953 Lt. (jg) J. A. Robbins 5094 Lt. (jg) M. W. Firth
Other Memories
Denis H. Biwerse graduated from Sheboygan (Wisconsin) High School in 1929. He entered the naval academy at Annapolis, Md., in 1930 and graduated in 1934.
Lieutenant Biwerse, and 11 other survivers of the attack on the USS Panay, witnessed the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.