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".
CORONADO, Calif., May 24â?? Rear Adm. Wreford G. Chapple, whose World War II submarine heroics became material for books and a television series, died Monday at his home. He was 83 years old. The cause of death was not disclosed. The naval officer was a commander in the submarine service when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Soon afterward his submarine, USS-38, sank the transport Haro Maru, one of the first Japanese ships sunk in the Pacific theater. Commander Chapple was also once sent to pick up Gen. Douglas MacArthur but did not complete that mission because on the way he sank a Japanese attack ship in Tyabias Bay, near Mindanao in the Philippines. Admiral Chapple was awarded two Navy Crosses, three Silver Stars, a Bronze Star and many campaign medals. His exploits are featured in naval history books and provided much of the material for the 1950's television series "The Silent Service." Admiral Chapple commanded the heavy cruiser Pittsburgh in the Korean War. He retired in 1959. He is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Michael, and four grandchildren