William F. Bringle
Encyclopedia
Admiral
William Floyd Bringle, USN, (April 23, 1913 – March 19, 1999) was the first commanding officer of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
. During the Vietnam War
, he was Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet in 1967-70 as a Vice Admiral
, and later, as a four star admiral, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe in 1971-73.
, on April 23, 1913, son of Mrs. Lota Smith Bringle and William F. Bringle of Covington, Tennessee. He died on March 19, 1999 at Rancho Santa Fe, California
He attended the Byars-Hall High School and Columbia Military Academy before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy
. Graduating in June 1937, he was commissioned an ensign, and through subsequent advancement attained the rank of captain, July 1, 1955.
During his career, Captain Bringle served in numerous sea and shore assignments. His first was aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3)
in the gunnery, communications and engineering departments as a junior officer until 1940.
Reporting to the Naval Air Station Pensacola
for flight training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1940.
, and he eventually became commanding officer of Cruiser Scouting Squadron TWO, operating on the USS Omaha (CL-4)
and the USS Savannah (CL-42)
.
From September to November 1943, he trained at the Naval Air Station Melbourne
and in December, formed the first Observation Fighting Squadron (VOF-1) during World War II. He commanded the squadron throughout the period of hostilities, and was awarded the Navy Cross
, "For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces during the Allied Invasion of Southern France in August 1944." Captain Bringle also received the Croix de Guerre
with Silver Star from the Government of France for his part in the invasion. Reassigned to the Pacific war again, Captain Bringle and squadron embarked in the USS Wake Island (CVE-65)
and later the USS Marcus Island (CVE-77)
.
While under his command, the squadron participated in strikes against enemy held installations in Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, Sakishima Gunto, Nansei Shoto area, Okinawa and many other Pacific islands. His squadron contributed materially to the success of these combat operations in the performance of its primary function of spotting for naval gunfire and close air support of ground forces in repeated bombing and rocket attacks against enemy troops and installations. For his outstanding service during these engagements and others, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
with gold stars in lieu of five additional awards of that medal as well as the Air Medal
with gold stars in lieu of sixteen additional similar awards.
, and when detached he returned to the Naval Academy
for duty as a Battalion Commander. He remained there until June 1948.
Returning again to sea, Captain Bringle filled the post of Commander, Carrier Air Group One
aboard the aircraft carriers USS Tarawa (CV-40)
and USS Philippine Sea (CV-47)
.
From 1950-1952, he served as a member of the Superintendent's Staff at the Naval Academy
. The next year, as a student, he attended the Naval War College
at Newport, Rhode Island
.
Another year and a half of sea duty as Executive Officer
of the , 1953–1954, was alternated with 2½ years of shore duty as head of the Operational Intelligence Branch of the Chief of Naval Operations
, and as the Personal Aide to the Secretary of the Navy.
In 1957, Captain Bringle assumed command of Heavy Attack Wing Two, operating A3D Skywarrior bombers in the Pacific. He served in this command until July 1958, when he was ordered to become the Commandant
of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy
.
Captain Bringle, in May 1960, received orders designating him as the Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) of the Navy's newest attack carrier, the , building at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation of Camden, New Jersey
. He became the first Commanding Officer
on her commissioning day, April 29, 1961.
In June 1962 he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
, where he served as Assistant Director
of the Aviation Plans Division until January 1963, when he was designated the Director of that division.
with Combat "V". "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, Rear Admiral Bringle masterfully directed the combat operations of his forces in support of the Republic of Vietnam. He consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional skill in repeatedly responding to a constantly changing environment".
In July 1965, he was ordered to the Staff of Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet, where he assumed the Office of Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans.
Vice Admiral Bringle was Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet during 1967-70. Later, as a four-star admiral, he was the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe in 1971-73.
, Legion of Merit
with Combat "V", Distinguished Flying Cross
with five Gold Stars
, Air Medal
with sixteen Gold Stars, the Navy Unit Commendation
(USS Marcus Island), and the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star
, Rear Admiral Bringle was also awarded the American Defense Service Medal
, American Campaign Medal
, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
with three Bronze Stars
, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
with four Bronze Stars
, World War II Victory Medal
and the National Defense Service Medal
.
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
William Floyd Bringle, USN, (April 23, 1913 – March 19, 1999) was the first commanding officer of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
The supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk , formerly CVA-63, was the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight...
. During the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, he was Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet in 1967-70 as a Vice Admiral
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
, and later, as a four star admiral, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe in 1971-73.
Early life and career
Admiral William F. Bringle was born in Covington, TennesseeCovington, Tennessee
Covington is a city in central Tipton County in the State of Tennessee. Covington is the largest city and county seat of, Tipton County. Covington is located in one of just five counties of West Tennessee that are located along the Mississippi River, thus it is in extreme western Tennessee.This...
, on April 23, 1913, son of Mrs. Lota Smith Bringle and William F. Bringle of Covington, Tennessee. He died on March 19, 1999 at Rancho Santa Fe, California
Rancho Santa Fe, California
Rancho Santa Fe known locally as ″The Ranch″, is one of the most exclusive and affluent communities in Southern California. It is also a census-designated place in San Diego County, California and an unincorporated bedroom community of San Diego County...
He attended the Byars-Hall High School and Columbia Military Academy before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
. Graduating in June 1937, he was commissioned an ensign, and through subsequent advancement attained the rank of captain, July 1, 1955.
During his career, Captain Bringle served in numerous sea and shore assignments. His first was aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3)
USS Saratoga (CV-3)
USS Saratoga was the second aircraft carrier of the United States Navy and the fifth ship to bear her name. She was commissioned one month earlier than her sister and class leader, , which is the third actually commissioned after and Saratoga...
in the gunnery, communications and engineering departments as a junior officer until 1940.
Reporting to the Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola or NAS Pensacola , "The Cradle of Naval Aviation", is a United States Navy base located next to Warrington, Florida, a community southwest of the Pensacola city limits...
for flight training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1940.
World War II
In January 1941, he served as senior aviator aboard the USS Milwaukee (CL-5)USS Milwaukee (CL-5)
thumb|300px|right|Launching of MilwaukeeUSS Milwaukee was an Omaha-class light cruiser in the United States Navy. She was the third Navy ship named for the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin...
, and he eventually became commanding officer of Cruiser Scouting Squadron TWO, operating on the USS Omaha (CL-4)
USS Omaha (CL-4)
USS Omaha was the lead ship of Omaha class of light cruiser of the United States Navy. She was the second US Navy ship named for the city of Omaha, Nebraska....
and the USS Savannah (CL-42)
USS Savannah (CL-42)
USS Savannah was a light cruiser of the Brooklyn-class. She was laid down on 31 May 1934 by the New York Shipbuilding Association in Camden, New Jersey; launched on 8 May 1937; sponsored by Miss Jayne Maye Bowden, the niece of Senator Richard B. Russell, Jr., of Georgia; and commissioned in the...
.
From September to November 1943, he trained at the Naval Air Station Melbourne
Naval Air Station Melbourne
Naval Air Station Melbourne was a United States Naval Base in Melbourne, Florida. The Navy used NAS Melbourne for gunnery training and as a base for WAVES during World War II...
and in December, formed the first Observation Fighting Squadron (VOF-1) during World War II. He commanded the squadron throughout the period of hostilities, and was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
, "For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces during the Allied Invasion of Southern France in August 1944." Captain Bringle also received the Croix de Guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
with Silver Star from the Government of France for his part in the invasion. Reassigned to the Pacific war again, Captain Bringle and squadron embarked in the USS Wake Island (CVE-65)
USS Wake Island (CVE-65)
USS Wake Island was an Casablanca class escort carrier of the United States Navy.She was laid down under a Maritime Commission contract on 6 February 1943 at Vancouver, Washington, by the Kaiser Shipyards; launched on 15 September 1943, sponsored by Mrs...
and later the USS Marcus Island (CVE-77)
USS Marcus Island (CVE-77)
USS Marcus Island was an Casablanca class escort carrier of the United States Navy.She was laid down as Kanalku Bay under Maritime Commission contract by Kaiser Co., Inc., Vancouver, Washington on 15 September 1943; renamed Marcus Island on 6 November 1943; launched on 16 December 1943; sponsored...
.
While under his command, the squadron participated in strikes against enemy held installations in Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, Sakishima Gunto, Nansei Shoto area, Okinawa and many other Pacific islands. His squadron contributed materially to the success of these combat operations in the performance of its primary function of spotting for naval gunfire and close air support of ground forces in repeated bombing and rocket attacks against enemy troops and installations. For his outstanding service during these engagements and others, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
with gold stars in lieu of five additional awards of that medal as well as the Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
with gold stars in lieu of sixteen additional similar awards.
Post-war, through early 1960s
After World War II, from October 1945 until October 1946, he was the Air Group Commander, aka: "CAG" of Carrier Air Group SeventeenCarrier Air Wing Seventeen
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen , is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.-Mission:...
, and when detached he returned to the Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
for duty as a Battalion Commander. He remained there until June 1948.
Returning again to sea, Captain Bringle filled the post of Commander, Carrier Air Group One
Carrier Air Wing One
Carrier Air Wing One is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier .-Mission:...
aboard the aircraft carriers USS Tarawa (CV-40)
USS Tarawa (CV-40)
USS Tarawa was one of 24 s built during and shortly after World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the first US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for the bloody 1943 Battle of Tarawa. Tarawa was commissioned in December 1945, too late to serve in World War II. After serving a...
and USS Philippine Sea (CV-47)
USS Philippine Sea (CV-47)
USS Philippine Sea was one of 24 s built during and shortly after World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the first US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for the 1944 Battle of the Philippine Sea. Philippine Sea was commissioned in May 1946, too late to serve in World War II...
.
From 1950-1952, he served as a member of the Superintendent's Staff at the Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
. The next year, as a student, he attended the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
at Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
.
Another year and a half of sea duty as Executive Officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
of the , 1953–1954, was alternated with 2½ years of shore duty as head of the Operational Intelligence Branch of the Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
, and as the Personal Aide to the Secretary of the Navy.
In 1957, Captain Bringle assumed command of Heavy Attack Wing Two, operating A3D Skywarrior bombers in the Pacific. He served in this command until July 1958, when he was ordered to become the Commandant
Commandant
Commandant is a senior title often given to the officer in charge of a large training establishment or academy. This usage is common in anglophone nations...
of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
.
Captain Bringle, in May 1960, received orders designating him as the Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) of the Navy's newest attack carrier, the , building at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation of Camden, New Jersey
Camden, New Jersey
The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...
. He became the first Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
on her commissioning day, April 29, 1961.
In June 1962 he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
, where he served as Assistant Director
Assistant director
The role of an Assistant director include tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule, arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, maintaining order on the set. They also have to take care of health and safety of the crew...
of the Aviation Plans Division until January 1963, when he was designated the Director of that division.
Flag Assignments
On April 6, 1964, he assumed command of Carrier Division Seven. In addition to commanding Carrier Division Seven, Admiral Bringle served as Commander Task Group 77.6, during the period of March 29, to June 29, 1965 and as Commander Task Force Seventy Seven (CTF-77) from May 28, to June 27, 1965. For service in these capacities, he was awarded the Legion of MeritLegion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with Combat "V". "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, Rear Admiral Bringle masterfully directed the combat operations of his forces in support of the Republic of Vietnam. He consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional skill in repeatedly responding to a constantly changing environment".
In July 1965, he was ordered to the Staff of Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet, where he assumed the Office of Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans.
Vice Admiral Bringle was Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet during 1967-70. Later, as a four-star admiral, he was the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe in 1971-73.
Awards and honors
In addition to the Navy CrossNavy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
, Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with Combat "V", Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
with five Gold Stars
Award star
An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force...
, Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
with sixteen Gold Stars, the Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Unit Commendation
The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944...
(USS Marcus Island), and the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star
Award star
An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force...
, Rear Admiral Bringle was also awarded the American Defense Service Medal
American Defense Service Medal
The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:...
, American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was...
with three Bronze Stars
Award star
An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force...
, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
with four Bronze Stars
Award star
An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force...
, World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...
and the National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
.
| Navy Cross Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... with Combat "V" for Valor |
Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The... with five gold stars |
Air Medal Air Medal The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:... with sixteen gold stars |
| Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal with four bronze stars |
| Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... with three bronze stars |
World War II Victory Medal | Croix de guerre Croix de guerre The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts... |
National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
External links
- Biographical Note - Papers of Admiral William F. Bringle, 1967-1970 - Naval Historical CenterNaval Historical CenterThe Naval History & Heritage Command is the official history program of the United States Navy and is located at the historic Washington Navy Yard in the District of Columbia.-Mission :...
- William F. Bringle - Findagrave.com
- Tribute to Admiral William F. Bringle, House of Representatives - March 24, 1999 - Congressional RecordCongressional RecordThe Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published by the United States Government Printing Office, and is issued daily when the United States Congress is in session. Indexes are issued approximately every two weeks...
- 106th Congress (1999-2000) - Donald Godwin Bringle (son) - Navy and Marine Association