William F. Bringle
| William F. Bringle | |
|---|---|
Official portrait of ADM William F. Bringle, commander of USS Kitty Hawk
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| Nickname(s) | Bush |
| Born | April 23, 1913 Covington, Tennessee |
| Died | March 19, 1999 (aged 85) Rancho Santa Fe, California |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1933-1974 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held |
Carrier Air Group Seventeen Carrier Air Group One USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) Carrier Division 7 Task Force 77 United States Seventh Fleet United States Naval Forces Europe |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Legion of Merit, Combat "V" Distinguished Flying Cross (6) Air Medal (16) |
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.
Admiral William F. Bringle was born in Covington, Tennessee, 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 aircraft 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.
In January 1941, he served as senior aviator aboard the light cruiser Milwaukee, and he eventually became commanding officer of Cruiser Scouting Squadron TWO, operating on the light cruisers Omaha and Savannah.
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 escort carrier Wake Island and later Marcus Island.
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