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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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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
1945
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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 Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander Wreford Goss Chapple (NSN: 0-63394), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BREAM (SS-243), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine off the West Coast of Luzon, from 2 October to 22 November 1944. Despite vigorous enemy air and surface anti-submarine measures, Commander Chapple pressed attacks upon two enemy cruisers, damaging them severely. In addition, skillful attacks were made which resulted in the BREAM's receiving half credit for sinking a large AP and for damaging another. Commander Chapple also displayed exceptional ability as Officer in Tactical Command of a successful coordinated Search and Attack Group consisting of U.S.S. BREAM, U.S.S. BATON, and U.S.S. GUITARRO. In three well-planned coordinated attacks these submarines sank three large enemy cargo ships, a large transport and a heavy cruiser. His service and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03504 (June 3, 1945)
Action Date: October 2 - November 22, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Bream (SS-243)
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