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Brockman, William Herman "Bill" (Jr.)

Date of birth:
November 18th, 1904 (Baltimore/Maryland, United States)
Date of death:
February 2nd, 1979
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 11. Grave: 454-2.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
August 16th, 1942
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), in the Battle of Midway. On 4 June 1942, Lieutenant Commander Brockman aggressively developed a contact with major enemy forces and doggedly pushed home a torpedo attack on a screened aircraft carrier against determined and repeated enemy counter measures by gunfire barrage, depth charging and bombing from the air. The attack culminated successfully and Lieutenant Commander Brockman is credited with closing and sinking of a 10,000 ton enemy aircraft carrier. His skill, determination, courage and fortitude were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 3277
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
October 23rd, 1942
Navy Cross
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine from 10 June 1942 to 11 July 1942, in the Southwest Pacific. During a period of eleven days, while on station patrolling in enemy controlled waters, Lieutenant Commander Brockman delivered five attacks against the enemy and, in spite of having been driven down on three occasions, the NAUTILUS succeeded in sinking a 1,700-ton enemy Japanese destroyer and a 1,500-ton patrol vessel. Although severe anti-submarine measures had caused considerable material damage, Lieutenant Commander Brockman's extreme courage and expert seamanship enabled him to bring his ship and crew home safely without loss or injury, and his conduct throughout the performance of a difficult and dangerous mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 22 (Gold Star in lieu)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
February 22nd, 1943
Navy Cross
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 December 1942 to 4 February 1943, in Japanese waters. Lieutenant Commander Brockman adeptly and daringly maneuvered his ship into positions from which to strike the enemy, and aggressively attacked, sinking one MINEKAZE Class destroyer, probably sinking on 9,000-ton transport and one 5,000-ton cargo ship, and damaging one MOGAMI Class heavy cruiser and one 10,000-ton tanker. Throughout this patrol he handled his ship expertly to avoid damage from enemy counter measures. Further, under perilous conditions, he successfully evacuated twenty-nine civilians from an island occupied by the enemy. His actions and conduct are a continuation of his illustrious record, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Southwest Pacific Force: Serial 00178 (Gold Star in lieu)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
March 5th, 1945
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 15 September to 31 August 1942. Aggressive determination enabled him to deliver attacks against enemy vessels which resulted in sinking and damaging more than 19,000 tons of shipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01914

Sources