This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Chapple, Wreford Goss, RADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Billings, MT
Last Address Coronado, CA
Date of Passing May 20, 1991
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
US Navy Rear Admiral. Chapple graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1930. At the time of the Pearl Harbor attack Chapple was a Lt. Commander in the Submarine Service and was the Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. 38. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor Chapple's command sunk the Japanese Transport Takatiho Maru, one of the first Japanese ships sunk in the Pacific theater. At the Battle of Leyte Gulf he was the Commanding Officer of the Submarine Bream which sunk four Japanese vessels. By February of 1942 Chapple was assigned as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. Permit SS-178. He served as her Commanding Officer until August 4, 1943. During the year and a half Chapple was Commanding Officer of the Permit he sank 4 Japanese vessels. For his wartime services Chapple was awarded two Navy Cross Medals, three Silver Stars and a Bronze Star. His last assignment was as the Commanding Officer of the heavy Cruiser Pittsburgh. He retired as a Rear Admiral in 1959. Chapple was considered one of the hero's of World War II and his exploits are featured in naval history books and his achievements provided much of the material for the 1950's television series "The Silent Service".
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
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)
