Harry Brinkley Bass
| Harry Brinkley Bass | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | "Brink" |
| Born |
July 4, 1916 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | August 20, 1944 (aged 28) Vanosc, France |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1938–1944 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Commands held | VF-29, VF-74 |
| Battles/wars |
World War II *Battle of the Coral Sea *Invasion of southern France |
| Awards |
Navy Cross (2) Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross Purple Heart Air Medal |
Harry Brinkley "Brink" Bass (July 4, 1916 – August 20, 1944) was a U.S. Navy pilot who was twice awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions in the Pacific theater during World War II. Bass died over Vanosc, in southern France when his plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) was named in his honor.
Bass was born in Chicago, Illinois, but the family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. He was raised a Presbyterian. He attended Averill Elementary School and Beaumont High School, graduating on June 2, 1932. He served on the Student Council, Faculty Advisory Council, high school paper, and yearbook. He first attended South Park College, now Lamar University, for one year and then the West Point-Annapolis Coaching School, in Columbia, Missouri for the 1933-1934 school year. He then entered the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on June 11, 1934, having secured an appointment through his guardian uncle's Arkansas representative since the Texas appointments were taken. Earning several awards while there, he graduated on June 2, 1938 and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy. He never married.
Bass became an Eagle Scout on August 14, 1930 in Beaumont's Troop 6 under Scoutmaster Harry P. Jirou. He attended the 3rd World Scout Jamboree in Birkenhead, England as the youngest of the 13 Scouts making the trip from Beaumont. He also visited Paris and New York City during this trip. Bass received some notoriety for remarks he made that appeared in the Saturday Evening Post about the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, wearing a "sloppy" Scout uniform. The Clifton Steamboat Museum in Beaumont, Texas has a large gallery celebrating his life and accomplishments.
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