Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. 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 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
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
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
Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy... The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of a United States Submarine on War Patrols in enemy controlled waters. By daring seamanship and heroic action characteristic of his patrols, he succeeded in sinking and damaging an important amount of enemy shipping. His conduct was an inspiration to his officers and crew and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 40 (November 7, 1946)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Permit (SS-178)
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Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United State... The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BREAM (SS-243), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine off the West Coast of Luzon, from 2 October to 22 November 1944. Despite vigorous enemy air and surface anti-submarine measures, Commander Chapple pressed attacks upon two enemy cruisers, damaging them severely. In addition, skillful attacks were made which resulted in the BREAM's receiving half credit for sinking a large AP and for damaging another. Commander Chapple also displayed exceptional ability as Officer in Tactical Command of a successful coordinated Search and Attack Group consisting of U.S.S. BREAM, U.S.S. BATON, and U.S.S. GUITARRO. In three well-planned coordinated attacks these submarines sank three large enemy cargo ships, a large transport and a heavy cruiser. His service and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03504 (June 3, 1945)
Action Date: October 2 - November 22, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Bream (SS-243) MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United S... The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. PERMIT (SS-178), on patrol in enemy controlled waters. With courage and skill Lieutenant Commander Chapple succeeded in closing an enemy convoy and sinking two ships of the convoy, and on two other attacks severely damaged two enemy freighters, thereby furthering to a considerable extent the war of attrition. His leadership and skill throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01623 (July 11, 1943)
Action Date: 1943
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Permit (SS-178)
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Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidit... The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in combat while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PERMIT (SS-178), during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters during World War II. Despite determined enemy opposition he courageously and skillfully pressed home attacks which resulted in the sinking of an important amount of Japanese shipping; this without disabling damage to his own ship. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 34 (April 24, 1943)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Permit (SS-178)
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Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line o... The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-38 (SS-143), on the First War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 December 1941 to 14 January 1942. Engaged in operations against enemy forces making landings in the Philippine Islands, Lieutenant Chapple conducted several attacks. Operating in shallow waters with treacherous currents he succeeded in closing with transports and supply vessels of the enemy. Despite active, numerous and determined countermeasures employed by enemy patrols he closed with the enemy and sank by torpedo fire two loaded vessels. Although frequently detected and under attack, he evaded the escorts and withdrew without sustaining serious damage.
Action Date: December 12 - 22, 1941
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. S-38 (SS-143)
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Criteria The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded for service in the defense of the Philippines from December 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942, under either of the following conditions: Participation in any engagement... The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded for service in the defense of the Philippines from December 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942, under either of the following conditions: Participation in any engagement against the enemy in Philippine territory, waters, or in the air over the Philippines or Philippine waters; or, Assigned or stationed in Philippine territory or waters for not less than thirty days during the authorizing period. MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Flagship of COMSUBRON 5