Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Comments
Among his many decorations, Vice Admiral Rodgers was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Army Legion of Merit, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Star.
Chain of Command
On April 2, 1948, he reported as Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. In February, 1950, he became Commandant of the Twelfth Naval district, with additional duty as Commander Naval Base, San Francisco, California. In March, 1954, he was assigned as Commander naval Forces, Germany and in November, 1955, he became President of the Permanent General Court Martial, Twelfth Naval district. On April 1, 1956, 40 years and two months after his commissioning as ensign in the United States navy, he was transferred to the retired list of the US Navy as a Vice Admiral.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Chain of Command
On April 2, 1948, he reported as Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. In February, 1950, he became Commandant of the Twelfth Naval district, with additional duty as Commander Naval Base, San Francisco, California. In March, 1954, he was assigned as Commander naval Forces, Germany and in November, 1955, he became President of the Permanent General Court Martial, Twelfth Naval district. On April 1, 1956, 40 years and two months after his commissioning as ensign in the United States navy, he was transferred to the retired list of the US Navy as a Vice Admiral.
Chain of Command
In February, 1946, he assumed command of Amphibious Group THREE of the SEVENTH Fleet. As commander of Amphibious Group ONE, Pacific Fleet he participated in the first full scale peace time amphibious training exercises conducted off the coast of Southern California.
Chain of Command
He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHT Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations.
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Comments
Among his many decorations, Vice Admiral Rodgers was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Army Legion of Merit, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Star.
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description
Among his many decorations, Vice Admiral Rodgers was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Army Legion of Merit, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Star.
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 He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious ... He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHTH Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations. 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
Description He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious ... He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHTH Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations. MoreHide
Criteria
The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during the Second World War.
Description From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assum... From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945), or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the JapaneThe Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945), or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Japanese Empire. The American invasion had the goal of capturing the entire island, including its three airfields (including South Field and Central Field), to provide a staging area for attacks on the Japanese main islands. This five-week battle comprised some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of the War in the Pacific of World War II.
After the heavy losses incurred in the battle, the strategic value of the island became controversial. It was useless to the U.S. Army as a staging base and useless to the U.S. Navy as a fleet base. However, Navy SEABEES rebuilt the landing strips, which were used as emergency landing strips for USAAF B-29s.
The Imperial Japanese Army positions on the island were heavily fortified, with a dense network of bunkers, hidden artillery positions, and 18 km (11 mi) of underground tunnels. The Americans on the ground were supported by extensive naval artillery and complete air supremacy over Iwo Jima from the beginning of the battle by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
Iwo Jima was the only battle by the U.S. Marine Corps in which the Japanese combat deaths were thrice those of the Americans throughout the battle. Of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers on Iwo Jima at the beginning of the battle, only 216 were taken prisoner, some of whom were captured because they had been knocked unconscious or otherwise disabled. The majority of the remainder were killed in action, although it has been estimated that as many as 3,000 continued to resist within the various cave systems for many days afterwards, eventually succumbing to their injuries or surrendering weeks later.
Despite the bloody fighting and severe casualties on both sides, the Japanese defeat was assured from the start. Overwhelming American superiority in arms and numbers as well as complete control of air power — coupled with the impossibility of Japanese retreat or reinforcement — permitted no plausible circumstance in which the Americans could have lost the battle.
The battle was immortalized by Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the raising of the U.S. flag on top of the 166 m (545 ft) Mount Suribachi by five U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy battlefield Hospital Corpsman. The photograph records the second flag-raising on the mountain, both of which took place on the fifth day of the 35-day battle. Rosenthal's photograph promptly became an indelible icon — of that battle, of that war in the Pacific, and of the Marine Corps itself — and has been widely reproduced. ... More
Memories He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHTH Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations. ... More
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
Memories He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHTH Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations. ... More
Chain of Command
He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHT Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations.
Chain of Command
He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHT Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations.
Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Comments
Among his many decorations, Vice Admiral Rodgers was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Army Legion of Merit, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Star.
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern 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 He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious ... He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHTH Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern 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 He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious ... He assumed duty in April, 1944 as Commander of Task Group Two, Eighth Amphibious Force assisting in the planning for and invasion of Southern France. Task Group Two was later re-designated Amphibious Group ELEVEN, EIGHTH Fleet which was soon after transferred to the Pacific Theater and under his command participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations. MoreHide
Chain of Command
On January, 1943 he assumed command of the cruiser USS SALT LAKE CITY where he was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces. In the Fall of 1943 he was assigned duty as Senior United States Planning Officer of the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Southeast Asia, as a Commodore. For his service in this assignment he was awarded the Army Legion of Merit.
Chain of Command
On January, 1943 he assumed command of the cruiser USS SALT LAKE CITY where he was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces. In the Fall of 1943 he was assigned duty as Senior United States Planning Officer of the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Southeast Asia, as a Commodore. For his service in this assignment he was awarded the Army Legion of Merit.
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 Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Second World War.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Bertram Joseph Rodgers, United States Nav... Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Second World War.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Bertram Joseph Rodgers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during operations in the Aleutian Islands on 26 March 1943. During a 3 1/2-hour engagement with an enemy force of far greater strength, Captain Rodgers handled his cruiser with such excellent judgment and skill that she was able to inflict severe damage on one heavy cruiser and lesser damage on another heavy, and a light cruiser. His outstanding achievement contributed to the withdrawal of the Japanese force and frustrated their desperate attempt to reinforce troops in the Aleutian Islands. Captain Rodgers' conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 (October 1943)
Action Date: March 26, 1943
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Salt Lake City (CA-25) MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments
Among his many decorations, Vice Admiral Rodgers was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Army Legion of Merit, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Star.
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Comments
Among his many decorations, Vice Admiral Rodgers was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Army Legion of Merit, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Star.
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in ... In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. 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
Description From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assum... From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. 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
Description From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assum... From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. 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
Description From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assum... From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description The Battle of the Komandorski Islands was a naval battle between American and Japanese forces which took place on 27 March 1943 in the North Pacific area of the Pacific Ocean, south of the Soviet KomaThe Battle of the Komandorski Islands was a naval battle between American and Japanese forces which took place on 27 March 1943 in the North Pacific area of the Pacific Ocean, south of the Soviet Komandorski Islands. It is considered one of the most unusual engagements of World War II.
Background
When the United States became aware of Japanese plans to send a supply convoy to their forces on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, U.S. Navy ships commanded by Rear Admiral Charles McMorris were sent to prevent this. The fleet consisted of the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City, the light cruiser Richmond and the destroyers Coghlan, Bailey, Dale and Monaghan.
Unknown to the Americans, the Japanese had chosen to escort their convoy with two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and four destroyers commanded by Vice Admiral Boshiro Hosogaya. On the early morning of 27 March, the Japanese convoy was intercepted by the American picket line some 100 miles south of the Komandorski islands and 180 west of Kiska, just to the west of the International Date Line.[4] Because of the remote location of the battle and chance encounter on open ocean, neither fleet had air or submarine assistance, making this one of the few engagements exclusively between surface ships in the Pacific Theater and one of the last pure gunnery duels between fleets in naval history.
Although the Japanese cruisers heavily outgunned the American force, the engagement was tactically inconclusive. Both fleets suffered damage, with the U.S. Navy warships escaping almost by luck. With the Japanese fleet on the edge of victory, Admiral Hosogaya — not realizing the heavy damage his ships had inflicted and fearing American war planes would appear — retired without destroying his enemy. This amounted to a strategic defeat, as it ended Japanese attempts to resupply the Aleutian garrisons by surface ship, leaving only submarines to conduct supply runs. Hosogaya was accordingly retired from active service after the battle.
Battle
0600: The United States ships were formed in a scouting line at six-mile intervals zig-zagging at 15 knots on base course 020°.
0730: Lead ships Coghlan and Richmond made radar contact with the two trailing Japanese transports and a destroyer on course 080° at 13 kn (15 mph; 24 km/h). A navigating officer on one of the transports visually observed the American force minutes later.
0740: The Americans changed course to 080° and the rear ships increased speed to operate as a compact group. Five radar contacts were counted.
0755: The Japanese turned northward to course 340° and the Americans came to course 000° to follow.
0811: The Americans visually identified the radar contacts as two transports, two light cruisers, and a destroyer.
0820: The Americans sighted the masts of four more Japanese ships on the horizon.
0835: The Americans identified the masts as two heavy cruisers and two destroyers and turned to course 240°.
0838: The Japanese transports swerved off to the northwest.
0839: The Americans increased speed to 25 kn (29 mph; 46 km/h).
0840: Nachi opened fire on Richmond at a range of 20,000 yd (18,000 m). The second and third salvos were straddles.
0841: Richmond opened fire on Nachi. The third salvo was a straddle.
0842: Salt Lake City opened fire on Nachi at a range of 21,000 yd (19,000 m). The second salvo was a straddle.
As the range closed, Bailey opened fire on Nachi at a range of 14,000 yd (13,000 m) and then switched to a light cruiser. Coghlan opened fire on Nachi at a range of 18,000 yd (16,000 m).[5]
0845: Nachi launched eight torpedoes. All missed.
0850: One of Richmond′s 6 in (150 mm) shells hit the starboard side of Nachi′s signal bridge, killing 11 and wounding 21. Another shell hit Nachi′s mainmast and severed the flagship radio communication.
0852: One of Richmond′s 6-inch shells hit Nachi′s torpedo compartment. Another of Richmond′s 6-inch shells hit Nachi′s control room, killing two and wounding five. Nachi dropped back after losing electrical power to ammunition hoists and gun mounts.
0903: Richmond ceased firing. Salt Lake City continued firing from stern turrets.
0910: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8 in (200 mm) projectile fired by Maya. The starboard observation plane caught fire and was jettisoned.
0920: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya. Two men were killed.
1010: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya.
1059: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya.
1103: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya. Salt Lake City transferred water to correct a list caused by flooding.
1152: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya.
1153: Salt water entered a fuel tank in use and extinguished Salt Lake City′s boiler fires.
1154: Salt Lake City slowed to a stop. Bailey, Coghlan and Monaghan approached the Japanese cruisers for a torpedo attack while Richmond and Dale made smoke to shield Salt Lake City.
1203: Salt Lake City restarted boilers and increased speed to 15 knots.
1213: Salt Lake City increased speed to 22 kn (25 mph; 41 km/h).
1225: Bailey launched five torpedoes at 9,500 yd (8,700 m). All missed. Bailey was hit twice by 8-inch shells and came to a stop with five dead. Coghlan was hit once.
1230: Japanese ships retired westward. Neither Coghlan nor Monaghan launched torpedoes.
Salt Lake City fired 806 armor-piercing projectiles and then 26 high-capacity shells after the supply of armor-piercing ammunition was exhausted. Powder and shells were manhandled aft from the forward magazines to keep the after guns firing. Salt Lake City′s rudder stops were carried away, limiting her to 10° course changes.
... More
Memories In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one oIn January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific. ... More
Description The Battle of the Komandorski Islands was a naval battle between American and Japanese forces which took place on 27 March 1943 in the North Pacific area of the Pacific Ocean, south of the Soviet KomaThe Battle of the Komandorski Islands was a naval battle between American and Japanese forces which took place on 27 March 1943 in the North Pacific area of the Pacific Ocean, south of the Soviet Komandorski Islands. It is considered one of the most unusual engagements of World War II.
Background
When the United States became aware of Japanese plans to send a supply convoy to their forces on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, U.S. Navy ships commanded by Rear Admiral Charles McMorris were sent to prevent this. The fleet consisted of the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City, the light cruiser Richmond and the destroyers Coghlan, Bailey, Dale and Monaghan.
Unknown to the Americans, the Japanese had chosen to escort their convoy with two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and four destroyers commanded by Vice Admiral Boshiro Hosogaya. On the early morning of 27 March, the Japanese convoy was intercepted by the American picket line some 100 miles south of the Komandorski islands and 180 west of Kiska, just to the west of the International Date Line.[4] Because of the remote location of the battle and chance encounter on open ocean, neither fleet had air or submarine assistance, making this one of the few engagements exclusively between surface ships in the Pacific Theater and one of the last pure gunnery duels between fleets in naval history.
Although the Japanese cruisers heavily outgunned the American force, the engagement was tactically inconclusive. Both fleets suffered damage, with the U.S. Navy warships escaping almost by luck. With the Japanese fleet on the edge of victory, Admiral Hosogaya — not realizing the heavy damage his ships had inflicted and fearing American war planes would appear — retired without destroying his enemy. This amounted to a strategic defeat, as it ended Japanese attempts to resupply the Aleutian garrisons by surface ship, leaving only submarines to conduct supply runs. Hosogaya was accordingly retired from active service after the battle.
Battle
0600: The United States ships were formed in a scouting line at six-mile intervals zig-zagging at 15 knots on base course 020°.
0730: Lead ships Coghlan and Richmond made radar contact with the two trailing Japanese transports and a destroyer on course 080° at 13 kn (15 mph; 24 km/h). A navigating officer on one of the transports visually observed the American force minutes later.
0740: The Americans changed course to 080° and the rear ships increased speed to operate as a compact group. Five radar contacts were counted.
0755: The Japanese turned northward to course 340° and the Americans came to course 000° to follow.
0811: The Americans visually identified the radar contacts as two transports, two light cruisers, and a destroyer.
0820: The Americans sighted the masts of four more Japanese ships on the horizon.
0835: The Americans identified the masts as two heavy cruisers and two destroyers and turned to course 240°.
0838: The Japanese transports swerved off to the northwest.
0839: The Americans increased speed to 25 kn (29 mph; 46 km/h).
0840: Nachi opened fire on Richmond at a range of 20,000 yd (18,000 m). The second and third salvos were straddles.
0841: Richmond opened fire on Nachi. The third salvo was a straddle.
0842: Salt Lake City opened fire on Nachi at a range of 21,000 yd (19,000 m). The second salvo was a straddle.
As the range closed, Bailey opened fire on Nachi at a range of 14,000 yd (13,000 m) and then switched to a light cruiser. Coghlan opened fire on Nachi at a range of 18,000 yd (16,000 m).[5]
0845: Nachi launched eight torpedoes. All missed.
0850: One of Richmond′s 6 in (150 mm) shells hit the starboard side of Nachi′s signal bridge, killing 11 and wounding 21. Another shell hit Nachi′s mainmast and severed the flagship radio communication.
0852: One of Richmond′s 6-inch shells hit Nachi′s torpedo compartment. Another of Richmond′s 6-inch shells hit Nachi′s control room, killing two and wounding five. Nachi dropped back after losing electrical power to ammunition hoists and gun mounts.
0903: Richmond ceased firing. Salt Lake City continued firing from stern turrets.
0910: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8 in (200 mm) projectile fired by Maya. The starboard observation plane caught fire and was jettisoned.
0920: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya. Two men were killed.
1010: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya.
1059: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya.
1103: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya. Salt Lake City transferred water to correct a list caused by flooding.
1152: Salt Lake City was hit by an 8-inch projectile fired by Maya.
1153: Salt water entered a fuel tank in use and extinguished Salt Lake City′s boiler fires.
1154: Salt Lake City slowed to a stop. Bailey, Coghlan and Monaghan approached the Japanese cruisers for a torpedo attack while Richmond and Dale made smoke to shield Salt Lake City.
1203: Salt Lake City restarted boilers and increased speed to 15 knots.
1213: Salt Lake City increased speed to 22 kn (25 mph; 41 km/h).
1225: Bailey launched five torpedoes at 9,500 yd (8,700 m). All missed. Bailey was hit twice by 8-inch shells and came to a stop with five dead. Coghlan was hit once.
1230: Japanese ships retired westward. Neither Coghlan nor Monaghan launched torpedoes.
Salt Lake City fired 806 armor-piercing projectiles and then 26 high-capacity shells after the supply of armor-piercing ammunition was exhausted. Powder and shells were manhandled aft from the forward magazines to keep the after guns firing. Salt Lake City′s rudder stops were carried away, limiting her to 10° course changes.
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Memories On January, 1943 he assumed command of the cruiser USS SALT LAKE CITY where he was awarded the Navy On January, 1943 he assumed command of the cruiser USS SALT LAKE CITY where he was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces. In the Fall of 1943 he was assigned duty as Senior United States Planning Officer of the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Southeast Asia, as a Commodore. For his service in this assignment he was awarded the Army Legion of Merit. ... More
Chain of Command
In 1934 he assumed command of the destroyer USS BLAKELY followed by duty as Port Captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone; Commanding Officer of the destroyer leader USS SELFRIDGE: as assignment to the War Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, DC; and duty at Headquarters, Commander in Chief, US Fleet, Washington, DC.
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 From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assum... From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Chain of Command
In 1934 he assumed command of the destroyer USS BLAKELY followed by duty as Port Captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone; Commanding Officer of the destroyer leader USS SELFRIDGE: as assignment to the War Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, DC; and duty at Headquarters, Commander in Chief, US Fleet, Washington, DC.
Other Memories
1894-3-19: Born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1916-6: Ensign, Gradautes from Naval Academy. Assigned to BB South Carolina. 1919: SS H-4 1921: Commander, SS H-8 1923: Commander, SS R-8 1925: Submarine Base, Panama Canal Zone 1926: Executive officer, SS Bonita 1927: Airship Los Angeles 1929: Airship Akron 1931: Airship Macon 1934: Commander, DD Blakeley 1936: Port captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone 1938: Commander, DD Selfridge 1940: War Plans Division 1943-1-2: Captain, Commander, CA Salt Lake City 1943: Commodore, Senior planning officer, Southeast Asia Command 1944-4: Rear admiral, 8 Amphibious Force, Mediterranean 1944: Commander, Amphibian Group 11 1945-3: Commander, Battleship Division 3 1946-2: Commander, Amphibian Group 3 1948-4-2: Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet 1950-2: Commandant, 12 Naval District 1954-3: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Germany 1955-11: President, Permanent General Court Martial, 12 Naval District 1956-4-1: Retires 1983-11-30: Dies at Coronada, California
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 From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assum... From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.
In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.
For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Chain of Command
In 1934 he assumed command of the destroyer USS BLAKELY followed by duty as Port Captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone; Commanding Officer of the destroyer leader USS SELFRIDGE: as assignment to the War Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, DC; and duty at Headquarters, Commander in Chief, US Fleet, Washington, DC.
Other Memories
1894-3-19: Born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1916-6: Ensign, Gradautes from Naval Academy. Assigned to BB South Carolina. 1919: SS H-4 1921: Commander, SS H-8 1923: Commander, SS R-8 1925: Submarine Base, Panama Canal Zone 1926: Executive officer, SS Bonita 1927: Airship Los Angeles 1929: Airship Akron 1931: Airship Macon 1934: Commander, DD Blakeley 1936: Port captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone 1938: Commander, DD Selfridge 1940: War Plans Division 1943-1-2: Captain, Commander, CA Salt Lake City 1943: Commodore, Senior planning officer, Southeast Asia Command 1944-4: Rear admiral, 8 Amphibious Force, Mediterranean 1944: Commander, Amphibian Group 11 1945-3: Commander, Battleship Division 3 1946-2: Commander, Amphibian Group 3 1948-4-2: Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet 1950-2: Commandant, 12 Naval District 1954-3: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Germany 1955-11: President, Permanent General Court Martial, 12 Naval District 1956-4-1: Retires 1983-11-30: Dies at Coronada, California
Chain of Command
In 1934 he assumed command of the destroyer USS BLAKELY followed by duty as Port Captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone; Commanding Officer of the destroyer leader USS SELFRIDGE: as assignment to the War Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, DC; and duty at Headquarters, Commander in Chief, US Fleet, Washington, DC.
Chain of Command
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Other Memories
1894-3-19: Born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1916-6: Ensign, Gradautes from Naval Academy. Assigned to BB South Carolina. 1919: SS H-4 1921: Commander, SS H-8 1923: Commander, SS R-8 1925: Submarine Base, Panama Canal Zone 1926: Executive officer, SS Bonita 1927: Airship Los Angeles 1929: Airship Akron 1931: Airship Macon 1934: Commander, DD Blakeley 1936: Port captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone 1938: Commander, DD Selfridge 1940: War Plans Division 1943-1-2: Captain, Commander, CA Salt Lake City 1943: Commodore, Senior planning officer, Southeast Asia Command 1944-4: Rear admiral, 8 Amphibious Force, Mediterranean 1944: Commander, Amphibian Group 11 1945-3: Commander, Battleship Division 3 1946-2: Commander, Amphibian Group 3 1948-4-2: Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet 1950-2: Commandant, 12 Naval District 1954-3: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Germany 1955-11: President, Permanent General Court Martial, 12 Naval District 1956-4-1: Retires 1983-11-30: Dies at Coronada, California
Chain of Command
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Chain of Command
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Other Memories
1894-3-19: Born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1916-6: Ensign, Gradautes from Naval Academy. Assigned to BB South Carolina. 1919: SS H-4 1921: Commander, SS H-8 1923: Commander, SS R-8 1925: Submarine Base, Panama Canal Zone 1926: Executive officer, SS Bonita 1927: Airship Los Angeles 1929: Airship Akron 1931: Airship Macon 1934: Commander, DD Blakeley 1936: Port captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone 1938: Commander, DD Selfridge 1940: War Plans Division 1943-1-2: Captain, Commander, CA Salt Lake City 1943: Commodore, Senior planning officer, Southeast Asia Command 1944-4: Rear admiral, 8 Amphibious Force, Mediterranean 1944: Commander, Amphibian Group 11 1945-3: Commander, Battleship Division 3 1946-2: Commander, Amphibian Group 3 1948-4-2: Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet 1950-2: Commandant, 12 Naval District 1954-3: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Germany 1955-11: President, Permanent General Court Martial, 12 Naval District 1956-4-1: Retires 1983-11-30: Dies at Coronada, California
Chain of Command
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Chain of Command
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Chain of Command
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Other Memories
1894-3-19: Born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1916-6: Ensign, Gradautes from Naval Academy. Assigned to BB South Carolina. 1919: SS H-4 1921: Commander, SS H-8 1923: Commander, SS R-8 1925: Submarine Base, Panama Canal Zone 1926: Executive officer, SS Bonita 1927: Airship Los Angeles 1929: Airship Akron 1931: Airship Macon 1934: Commander, DD Blakeley 1936: Port captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone 1938: Commander, DD Selfridge 1940: War Plans Division 1943-1-2: Captain, Commander, CA Salt Lake City 1943: Commodore, Senior planning officer, Southeast Asia Command 1944-4: Rear admiral, 8 Amphibious Force, Mediterranean 1944: Commander, Amphibian Group 11 1945-3: Commander, Battleship Division 3 1946-2: Commander, Amphibian Group 3 1948-4-2: Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet 1950-2: Commandant, 12 Naval District 1954-3: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Germany 1955-11: President, Permanent General Court Martial, 12 Naval District 1956-4-1: Retires 1983-11-30: Dies at Coronada, California
Chain of Command
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Other Memories
1894-3-19: Born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1916-6: Ensign, Gradautes from Naval Academy. Assigned to BB South Carolina. 1919: SS H-4 1921: Commander, SS H-8 1923: Commander, SS R-8 1925: Submarine Base, Panama Canal Zone 1926: Executive officer, SS Bonita 1927: Airship Los Angeles 1929: Airship Akron 1931: Airship Macon 1934: Commander, DD Blakeley 1936: Port captain, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone 1938: Commander, DD Selfridge 1940: War Plans Division 1943-1-2: Captain, Commander, CA Salt Lake City 1943: Commodore, Senior planning officer, Southeast Asia Command 1944-4: Rear admiral, 8 Amphibious Force, Mediterranean 1944: Commander, Amphibian Group 11 1945-3: Commander, Battleship Division 3 1946-2: Commander, Amphibian Group 3 1948-4-2: Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet 1950-2: Commandant, 12 Naval District 1954-3: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Germany 1955-11: President, Permanent General Court Martial, 12 Naval District 1956-4-1: Retires 1983-11-30: Dies at Coronada, California
Other Memories
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Other Memories
Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON.
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
Description
After graduating from the Academy in 1916, the newly-commissioned Ensign Rodgers was assigned to the battleship SOUTH CAROLINA, where he served during the course of WWI.
Description The United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily buThe United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily but acted alone in diplomacy. The U.S. made its major contributions in terms of supplies, raw material and money, starting in 1917. American soldiers under General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), arrived in large numbers on the Western Front in the summer of 1918. They played a major role until victory was achieved on November 11, 1918. Before entering the war, the U.S had remained neutral, though it had been an important supplier to Great Britain and the other Allied powers. During the war, the U.S mobilized over 4 million military personnel and suffered 110,000 deaths, including 43,000 due to the influenza pandemic. The war saw a dramatic expansion of the United States government in an effort to harness the war effort and a significant increase in the size of the U.S. military. After a slow start in mobilising the economy and labour force, by spring 1918 the nation was poised to play a role in the conflict. Under the leadership of President Woodrow Wilson, the war represented the climax of the Progressive Era as it sought to bring reform and democracy to the world, although there was substantial public opposition to United States entry into the war.
Although the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, it did not initially declare war on the other Central Powers, a state of affairs that Woodrow Wilson described as an "embarrassing obstacle" in his State of the Union speech. Congress declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on December 17, 1917, but never made declarations of war against the other Central Powers, Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire or the various Co-belligerents allied with the central powers, thus the United States remained uninvolved in the military campaigns in central, eastern and southern Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The United States as late as 1917 maintained only a small army, smaller than thirteen of the nations and empires already active in the war. After the passage of the Selective Service Act in 1917, it drafted 2.8 million men into military service. By the summer of 1918 about a million U.S. soldiers had arrived in France, about half of whom eventually saw front-line service; by the Armistice of November 11 approximately 10,000 fresh soldiers were arriving in France daily. In 1917 Congress gave U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans when they were drafted to participate in World War I, as part of the Jones Act. In the end Germany miscalculated the United States' influence on the outcome of the conflict, believing it would be many more months before U.S. troops would arrive and overestimating the effectiveness of U-boats in slowing the American buildup.
The United States Navy sent a battleship group to Scapa Flow to join with the British Grand Fleet, destroyers to Queenstown, Ireland and submarines to help guard convoys. Several regiments of Marines were also dispatched to France. The British and French wanted U.S. units used to reinforce their troops already on the battle lines and not to waste scarce shipping on bringing over supplies. The U.S. rejected the first proposition and accepted the second. General John J. Pershing, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) commander, refused to break up U.S. units to serve as mere reinforcements for British Empire and French units. As an exception, he did allow African-American combat regiments to fight in French divisions. The Harlem Hellfighters fought as part of the French 16th Division, earning a unit Croix de Guerre for their actions at Château-Thierry, Belleau Wood, and Séchault.
Impact of US forces on the war
On the battlefields of France in spring 1918, the war-weary Allied armies enthusiastically welcomed the fresh American troops. They arrived at the rate of 10,000 a day, at a time when the Germans were unable to replace their losses. After British Empire, French and Portuguese forces had defeated and turned back the powerful final German offensive (Spring Offensive of March to July, 1918), the Americans played a role in the Allied final offensive (Hundred Days Offensive of August to November). However, many American commanders used the same flawed tactics which the British, French, Germans and others had abandoned early in the war, and so many American offensives were not particularly effective. Pershing continued to commit troops to these full- frontal attacks, resulting in high casualties against experienced veteran German and Austrian-Hungarian units. Nevertheless, the infusion of new and fresh U.S. troops greatly strengthened the Allies' strategic position and boosted morale. The Allies achieved victory over Germany on November 11, 1918 after German morale had collapsed both at home and on the battlefield.... More
Memories Bertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguBertram Joseph Rodgers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1894. His long and distinguished naval service began with his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1912. He was commissioned Ensign in June 1916. From there he went to serve aboard the battleship USS SOUTH CAROLINA in the Atlantic Fleet during WW1. He then served aboard the submarine H-4 and commanded the USS H-8 and the R-8. Next, he served as Engineer and repair Officer at the submarine base, Coco Solo in the Canal Zone. He served as the Executive Officer aboard the USS V-3 which was later named the USS BONITA. In 1927, after instruction in Lighter-than-air craft, he was designated Naval Aviator [LTA] and served on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON and MACON. ... More
On April 2, 1948, he reported as Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. In February, 1950, he became Commandant of the Twelfth Naval district, with additional duty as Commander Naval Base, San Francisco, California. In March, 1954, he was assigned as Commander naval Forces, Germany and in November, 1955, he became President of the Permanent General Court Martial, Twelfth Naval district. On April 1, 1956, 40 years and two months after his commissioning as ensign in the United States navy, he was transferred to the retired list of the US Navy as a Vice Admiral.