This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Sieglaff, William Bernard (Barney), RADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Albert Lea, MN
Last Address Urbanna, VA
Date of Passing Aug 16, 1995
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Submarine war patrols:
USS Tautog (SS-199) - 5th through 10th
USS Tench (SS-417) - 1st
Other Comments:
Navy Cross Awarded for actions during the World War II The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the FIFTH and SIXTH War Patrols of that submarine during the period 15 December 1942 to 19 April 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. During this period of intense activity, Lieutenant Commander Sieglaff distinguished himself by his brilliant tactical knowledge and sound judgment in maneuvering his vessel into advantageous striking positions so skillfully and aggressively as to destroy three hostile merchant ships, a destroyer and three smaller craft, totaling 13,690 tons, and to damage an additional 9,750 tons consisting of a light cruiser and a tanker. Through his excellent direction of these hazardous operations he was able to complete his vital missions successfully, without serious damage to his ship, despite persistent and violent enemy counter measures. The expert professional ability and valiant devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Sieglaff under extremely adverse conditions contributed greatly to the efforts of our forces against a determined and desperate enemy and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01251 (June 20, 1943) Action Date: December 15, 1942 - April 19, 1943 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Commander Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Tautog (SS-199)
(Second Award) Awarded for actions during the World War IIThe 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 Commander William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 to 25 March 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Displaying expert seamanship, Commander Sieglaff directed his ship in attacks on heavily escorted enemy convoys and, despite premature torpedoes and hostile countermeasures, tenaciously pursued his targets to sink five enemy freighters totaling 17,736 tons and to damage two additional freighters totaling 8,000 tons. In spire of the enemy's concentrated efforts to the contrary, he succeeded in bringing his ship to port undamaged. By his forceful initiative and leadership, Commander Sieglaff contributed materially to the over-all success of the Allied operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02476 (June 13, 1944) Action Date: March 5 - 23, 1944 Service: Navy Rank: Commander Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Tautog (SS-199)
Silver Star Awarded for actions during the World War II The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 11 May to 2 July 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. By his courage, skill and tenacious action, Lieutenant Commander Sieglaff succeeded in sinking and damaging an important amount of enemy shipping. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Sieglaff brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 40 Action Date: May 11 - July 2, 1943 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Commander Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Tautog (SS-199)
(Second Award) Awarded for actions during the World War II 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 William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 7 October to 18 November 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Carrying out three skillfully executed attacks on heavily escorted hostile convoys, Commander Sieglaff sank or damaged several enemy ships. On another occasion, he maneuvered his craft close inshore and daringly bombarded a Japanese phosphate plant, causing severe damage. Subsequently, spotting a hostile convoy, he tenaciously pursued the enemy and, although all torpedoes had been expended, maintained contact and furnished information, enabling another submarine to locate and attack the hostile vessels. By his superb seamanship and the indomitable fighting spirit of his valiant command, he returned his ship through severe enemy countermeasures safe to port. His inspiring leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0473 (February 18, 1944) Action Date: October 7 - November 18, 1943 Service: Navy Rank: Commander Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Tautog (SS-199)
(Third Award) Awarded for actions during the World War II 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 William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 12 December 1943 to 30 January 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. By a series of five aggressive torpedo attacks during this patrol, Commander Sieglaff succeeded in sinking two enemy freighters totaling 9,000 tons and damaging three other freighters totaling 20,000 tons. Although severely depth charged, and on one occasion he received an aerial bombing attack, he skillfully evaded serous damage. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Sieglaff brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01489 (April 18, 1944) Action Date: December 12, 1943 - January 30, 1944 Service: Navy Rank: Commander Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Tautog (SS-199)
