Service Photo |
Service Details |
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Last Rank
Rear Admiral Upper Half
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Last Primary NEC
112X-Unrestricted Line Officer - Submarine Warfare
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Last Rating/NEC Group
Line Officer
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Primary Unit
1954-1955, 112X, USS Pittsburgh (CA-72)
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Service Years
1930 - 1959
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Last Photo |
Personal Details
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Home State
 Montana | |
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Year of Birth 1908 |
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This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Chapple, Wreford Goss, RADM USN(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
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Contact Info
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Home Town Billings, MT |
Last Address Coronado, CA
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Date of Passing May 20, 1991 |
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Location of Interment U.S Naval Academy Cemetery - Annapolis, Maryland |
Wall/Plot Coordinates Not Specified |
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Last Known Activity 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".
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=75013483
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Other Comments: Not Specified
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Name of Award Silver Star |
Year Awarded 1946
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Last Updated: Oct 9, 2010 |
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This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
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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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