William F. Bringle

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William F. Bringle
United States Naval Forces Europe United States Seventh Fleet Task Force 77 Carrier Division 7 USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) Heavy Attack Wing Two Carrier Air Group One Carrier Air Group Seventeen VOF-1
Battles/wars	World War II Vietnam War
Awards	Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (6) Air Medal (17)

from 1971 to 1973.

Early life and career

William F. Bringle was born in Covington, Tennessee,^[4] on April 23, 1913, the son of Lota Smith Bringle and William F. Bringle. 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 on July 1, 1955.

During his career, Bringle served in numerous sea and shore assignments. His first was aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga 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.

World War II

In January 1941, Bringle served as senior aviator aboard the light cruiser USS Milwaukee (CL-5). He eventually became commanding officer of Cruiser Scouting Squadron Two, operating on the light cruisers USS Omaha (CL-4) and USS Savannah (CL-42).

From September to November 1943, Bringle trained at the

.

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.

Post-war, through early 1960s

After World War II, from October 1945 until October 1946, Bringle was the air group commander of

. He remained there until June 1948.

Returning again to sea, 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 to 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

at the United States Naval Academy.

Bringle, in May 1960, received orders designating him as the prospective commanding officer (PCO) of the navy's newest attack carrier, the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), 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 Bringle was assigned to the Office of the

until January 1963, when he was designated the Director of that division.

Flag Assignments

On April 6, 1964, Bringle assumed command of Carrier Division 7. In addition to commanding Carrier Division Seven, Bringle served as Commander Task Group 77.6, during the period of March 29, to June 29, 1965, and as

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, Bringle was ordered to the Staff of Commander in Chief,

Bringle died on March 19, 1999, at Rancho Santa Fe, California.

Awards and honors

Naval Aviator Badge
Navy Cross	Navy Distinguished Service Medal	Combat "V"	Distinguished Flying Cross with one silver award star
Air Medal with three silver and one gold award stars	Navy Unit Commendation with one bronze service star (USS Marcus Island)	American Defense Service Medal with service star	American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal with service star	Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four service stars	World War II Victory Medal	Navy Occupation Service Medal
China Service Medal	National Defense Service Medal with bronze star	Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal	Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France) with silver star
National Order of Vietnam, Commander	Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm	Philippine Liberation Medal with service star	Vietnam Campaign Medal

References

External links

• Biographical Note – Papers of Admiral William F. Bringle, 1967–1970 –
  Naval Historical Center
• William F. Bringle at Find a Grave
• Tribute to Admiral William F. Bringle, House of Representatives – March 24, 1999 –
  106th Congress (1999–2000)
• Donald Godwin Bringle (son) – Navy and Marine Association