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Michael D. Withers (Mike), OSCS
to remember
Gingrich, John Edward, ADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Dodge City, KS
Last Address New York, NY
Date of Passing May 26, 1960
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Wall/Plot Coordinates 2 4965-D-RH
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
After his Navy service, John Gingrich worked as the Vice President of International Telephone and Telegraphic Corporation (IT&T).
Other Comments:
Navy Distinguished Dervice Medal
Awarded for Actions During Korean War
Service: Navy
General Orders: Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 18638 (November 30, 1953)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Edward Gingrich (NSN: 0-20251), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as COMUNBLOCK&ESCORTFOR engaged in operations against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces from 31 May 1952 to 12 February 1953. It was his responsibility to organize naval units from eleven different nations into one force capable of handling such complex and varied operations as coastal blockade, minesweeping, escort for logistic ships, shore bombardment, island defense and aerial support for United Nations ground forces. With consummate skill and a wise understanding of many problems involved, he coordinated the diverse naval units under his command into a highly effective force which completely denied the enemy the use of his sea lanes, virtually eliminated the threat of enemy mines for gun-fire ships involved in in-shore operations and inflicted wide-spread destruction on enemy supply and transportation facilities. Under Rear Admiral Gingrich's competent direction, the recently established ROK Navy was developed into an effective and efficient fighting organization. Ships of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Thailand and Colombia also operated successfully under his direction. In order to be fully informed in his activities he frequently visited the islands occupied by friendly forces, cruised in various vessels of his command and was under heavy enemy fire on numerous occasions. Through his distinguished service, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the United Nations' cause in Korea. His steadfast devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
CLASS - PORTLAND
Displacement 9,950 Tons, Dimensions, 610' 3" (oa) x 66' 1" x 24' (Max)
Armament 9 x 8"/55, 8 x 5"/25, 8 x 0.5" 4 Aircraft.
Armor, 5" Belt, 2 1/2 Turrets, 2 1/2" Deck, 1 1/4 Conning Tower.
Machinery, 107,000 SHP; Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 32.7 Knots, Crew 621. Operational and Building Data
Keel laid on 31 MAR 1930 at New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ
Launched 07 NOV 1931
Commissioned 15 NOV 1932 Fate: Torpedoed and sunk 30 JUL 1945 by Japanese submarine I-58
USS Indianapolis (CL/CA-35) was a Portland-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy. She was named for the city of Indianapolis, Indiana.
She was the flagship of Admiral Raymond Spruance while he commanded the Fifth Fleet in battles across the Central Pacific. Her sinking led to the greatest single loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy. On 30 July 1945, after delivering parts for Little Boy, the first atomic bomb used in combat, to the United States air base at Tinian, the ship was torpedoed by the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-58, sinking in 12 minutes. Of 1,196 crewmen aboard, approximately 300 went down with the ship.
The remaining 900 faced exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks while floating with few lifeboats and almost no food or water. The Navy learned of the sinking when survivors were spotted four days later by the crew of a PV-1 Ventura on routine patrol. Only 317 survived.