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Basic Timeline of the USS Bergall, SS 320
| 05-13-1943 | Bergall Keel laid (THE 13th) |
| 02-16-1944 | Bergall Launched (Sponsored by Mrs. J. A. Elkins) |
| 06-12-1944 | Bergall
Commissioned, Lieutenant Commander John Milton Hyde assumes command. (13 months after the keel was laid.) |
| 08-13-1944 | Arrives at
Pearl Harbor (Home Port). (THE 13th) |
| 09-08-1944 | Heading out
of Pearl Harbor to be assigned to Fremantle, Australia (COMSUBSWPAC) Starts first of 5 war patrols in the South China Sea, Java Sea, Lombok Straight and north of the Malay Barrier. |
| 10-09-1944 | First Military victory (sinks 700 ton AK). |
| 10-13-1944 | Bergall
sinks 4,182 ton medium cargo ship, Shinshu Maru (bottom of Camrahn Bay).
First credited sinking. (THE 13th) |
| 10-27-1944 | Bergall
10,528-ton Japanese tanker, Nippo Maru. (7d, 9'N/116d,6'E). Second credited sinking. |
| 12-13-1944 | Bergall
damaged the Heavy Cruiser IJN Myoko on it's way from Singapore to Camranh
Bay. USS Bergall was damaged from an 5" enemy shell from Destroyer IJN Ushio
that goes through her forward torpedo loading hatch and pierced her pressure
hull. The Bergall limped home on the surface. (THE 13th) |
| 01-27-1945 | Bergall
sinks Japanese Minesweeper # 102 in the Java Sea (8d,37'S/115d39'E). Third credited sinking. |
| 02-07-1945 | Bergall sinks Japanese Coast Defense Vessel # 53 in the South China Sea (12d4'N/109d22'E) Fourth credited sinking. |
| 02-13-1945 | Chases
Japanese task force, fires six torpedoes, unknown results. Japanese
destroyer delivers 85 depth charges as she hugs the bottom. (THE 13th) |
| 06-13-1945 | Bergall hits
a mine. "It was close aboard and knocked our after tubes out of alignment
and messed up the screws. We made a lot of noise. We were on the surface in
the Gulf of Siam in shallow water looking for anything and it was probably a
mine controlled from the shore. Was copying "FOX" at the time and when the
mine went off, my chair jumped about six inches off the deck, the TBL went
on and all I could think of was that I missed some of a msg. We got back to
Subic and Gunner Han, the COB, he was GM1, came back from a mail run with 5
gals. of "gilley" and when the sun went down we had a party onboard." (Carl
Weber) (THE 13th) |
| 06-17-1945 | Bergall returns to Subic Bay, Luzon for emergency repairs |
| 08-04-1945 | Bergall arrives at Portsmouth Navy Yard for permanent repairs |
| 08-14-1945 | V-J DAY Japan surrenders !!! |
| 12-01-1945 | Bergall rejoined Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor (COMSUBPAC) |
| 12-04-1948 | Bergall departs for Australia and Sasebo, Japan for a bottom mapping excersize. |
| 02-28-1949 | Bergall returns from the Far East. |
| ??-??-1949 | Periscope #1 bent over into a "U", SV Radar mast sheared and Conning tower flooded after rising to periscope depth in Naval restricted area off Barbers Point (near Pearl) by coming up under a Van Camp tuna Boat. Van Camp fined $250,000.00, 'Slick' Johnson as skipper (married to Admiral Radford's daughter) received no reprimand. (Bob Peterson, USS Bergall, 1950-1951) |
| 6-10-1950 | Bergall
departs Pearl Harbor, heading for the Atlantic "The trip from Pearl to
Panama took us 19 days, as some scientists from out Eastwere taking
measurements of the Earths gravity.....We had to dive every 400 miles and
hold her steady for a half hour .....This may have had something to do with
the later development of inertial guidance systems. We had come back to the
states for a snorkel conversion, and in 1950 went to Guantanamo Bay Cuba for
ASW exercises.....We got to Havana, Haiti, and a few other places.. " (Bob Peterson, USS Bergall, 1950-1951) |
| 6-25-1950 | Korean War starts. |
| 6-27-1950 | Bergall arrives at the Panama Canal two days earlier than expected! "The Canal Defense Forces scrambled all available defense forces until we could get through loud and clear with the IFF. Somebody determined that , since the Korean War started on the 25th that some unknown submarine had thoughts of damaging the canal. The Bergall was not expected that early! We took one Phd from UC Berkley with us and dove every 50 miles for the purpose of development of inertial navigation. I recall that he was my favorite kind of person --- a lousy poker player and a good loser. We remained in Panama until the 3rd or 4th of July. It took a full day to transit the canal due to the Pacific bound ships headed for Korea!Then we went directly to New London from Panama after the powers that be decided that they had adequate submarine coverage in Korea since the North Korean Navy consisted of tugs and small patrol boats unworthy of a torpedo." (George Gambel) |
| 7-??-1950 | Arrives New London, Conn. Operated with the Atlantic Fleet "I think we came back to the States because Captain John Hyde wanted us under his command. He had put the Bergall in commission and was our DIVCOM when we got to New London." (George Gambel) |
| Spring 1951 | "We went to Guantanamo for ASW exercises . The ASW forces used Hedgehogs (an ahead thrown weapon which they hit us with regularity) We visited Santiago, Cuba, Port-au-Prince, Haiti and stopped at Havana on our way home." (George Gambel) |
| 11-01-1951 | Bergall undergoing overhaul and conversion to snorkel in Philadelphia, Pa.. |
| 04-12-1952 | Left the Navy Yard and returned to New London. After a short time the Bergall left to test out our snorkel and snorkeled for 7 days and nights. We ended up with a weekend stay at Nassau in the Bahamas. (George Gambel) |
| 10-31-1954 | During exercises in the Atlantic, the Bergall narrowly escapes sinking the destroyer USS NORRIS (DDE 859). Her periscopes and radar masts where sliced thorough by the destroyer's bow. The destroyer was damaged much worse and both boats are ordered to repair yards. The USS ANGLER escorts the Bergall back to port (just as she did for the second war patrol.). |
| 11-09-1955 | Bergall departs on first Mediterranean cruise. |
| 01-28-1956 | Bergall returns from Med. |
| 08-31-1957 | Bergall departs on second Mediterranean cruise. |
| 12-06-1957 | Bergall returns from Med. |
| 07-14-1958 | Bergall assigned to Key West Florida for preparations for sale/loan to Turkey. |
| 09-26-1958 | Bergall departs for Izmar Turkey. |
| 10-15-1958 | Bergall arrives in Turkey. |
| 10-17-1958 | Bergall decommissioned from U. S. Navy and delivered to Turkish Navy, renamed TCG Turgutreis (S-342). |
| 03-22-1965 | Name canceled from U. S. Navy roster to permit assignment of name to a new nuclear-powered, fast attack submarine (SSN 667). Ed Gibbons (Bergall's last COB) would become the nuke's first COB! |
| 02-01-1973 | Stricken from Navy inventory. |
| 02-15-1973 | Returned to USN (end of lease) and sold the same day (paperwork transfer of title) to Turkish Navy. |
| 04-05-1983 |
Decommissioned from active submarine service and served as a charging boat
in Golcuk Naval Shipyard under the name " TCG CERYAN BOTU-6". She took the place of the former USS Bumper (who was headed for scrap) and began to charge the batteries of German 209 class submarines as well as Guppy Classes in overhaul in Golcuk Navy Shipyard. Some of her parts were uninstalled to keep other Guppy boats active and in so doing she was giving her blood to keep her sisters alive. |
| June, 1999 | TCG CERYAN
BOTU-6 remained in the charge-boat duty until 1996. "In 1996,
the tired Bergall was relieved of this boring duty and joined the
waiting-to-be-scrapped list. Last year during my visit to the
naval base she was still there waiting to be scrapped. As far as we know,
TCG TURGUTREIS participated in Cyprus war in 1974 and many other activities
in the Turkish Navy. When I was main engine officer in TCG
ATILAY (S 347) (209 class) during her overhaul at the shipyard, we used to
stay for the nights onboard ex-Turgutreis with all the deputy crew of ATILAY.
We did this because shore facilities were not so good and living inside
submarine was always better than living in concrete buildings . At that time
of course, Turgutreis did not look like an active submarine; but
nevertheless bunks, kitchen, coffee , shower and unlimited source of
electricity was available. When we get there with the crew, I used to sleep
in the XO's cabin. In the officer's mess there was a huge
aquarium, maybe 12 ft. long or more. The crew of Turgutreis
consisted of one C.O. (but with rank MCPO), 3 electricians technicians (CPO),
3 motor technicians (CPO) and 5-6 enlisted men. This small crew took very
good care of her along with the aquarium they themselves built."
(Zafer Preveze, 2000, e-mail...preveze@preveze.com)
(Cyprus War of Independence 1955 - August 16, 1960)... The Greek majority population of the British Crown Colony of Cyprus demanded independence and union with Greece. Their terrorist organization EOKA waged a campaign against the British and Turkish minority. Cyprus became a republic with the rights of the Turks to be respected in August 1960. The British forces suffered 99 killed during the EOKA campaign. Cypriot War December 1963 - August 1964 Fighting between Greek Cypriot National Guard and the minority Turkish Community was resolved by a UN ceasefire. Cypriot War (Turkish Invasion), July 20 1974, Following civil war in which the well armed majority Greek Cypriot population had driven out Turkish population the forces of mainland Turkey launched a sea borne and airborne attack on Cyprus. In 24 hours 30,000 Turkish soldiers had landed and supported by 40 tanks and aircraft pushed the Greeks southwards. A UN sponsored ceasefire left Turkey in control of the northern third of the island.) |
| April, 2000 | The hull was sold to MYS Steel Company in Turkey for scrapping. She served this world and her crew very well! The name TCG Turgutreis has been passed on to the new Turkish Destroyer (D241). |
The Bergall (SS 320) received four battle stars and other awards for the operations listed below. Her first, second, third and fifth patrols were designated successful for the award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.
| 1 Star | First War Patrol | Pacific | 8 Sept. '44 to 8 Nov. '44 | |
| 1 Star | Second War Patrol | Pacific | 2 Dec. '44 to 23 Dec., '44 | |
| 1 Star | Third War Patrol | Pacific | 19 Jan., '45 to 17 Feb., '45 | |
| Fourth War Patrol | Pacific | 4 March, '45 to 17 April., '45 | ||
| 1 Star | Fifth War Patrol | Pacific | 12 May, '45 to 17 June, '45 |
Two Navy Unit Commendation Awards (From her 2nd and 3rd War Patrols) Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asian Clasp): 21 Jan., '49 to 6 Feb., '49 and 10 Feb., '49 to 14 Feb., '49 China Service Medal: 7 Feb. to 9 Feb, '49 The Presidential Unit Citation For his efforts on the first patrol, Lt. Cmdr Kimmel was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V". For his efforts on the second patrol, Commander Hyde received the Navy Cross and three other officers received the Silver Star.
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BERGALL (SS-320), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine on 13 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Contacting two hostile heavy cruisers in water too shallow to permit submersion if detected, Commander Hyde courageously launched a night surface attack against the enemy vessels and directed the firing of six torpedoes, which caused one of the cruisers to blow up with a tremendous explosion and a mass of engulfing flames and inflicted extensive damage on the other which stopped dead in the water. After reloading, he once again attacked the crippled vessel and, when a salvo from the damaged cruiser inflicted damage to the BERGALL's pressure hull, skillfully maneuvered his craft to evade further damage and return to port. By his leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Commander Hyde upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01139 (April 3, 1945)
Action Date: 13-Dec-44
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Bergall (SS-320)
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Navigating, Assistant Approach and Executive Officer of the submarine U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Area. During four hazardous War Patrols, Lieutenant Commander Hyde rendered invaluable services by skillfully plotting his ship's course through dangerous, inadequately charted waters and providing accurate and timely information in the conduct of the attacks despite severe enemy depth charging and bombing. When the SWORDFISH was assigned two special missions to Corregidor fortress, Lieutenant Commander Hyde greatly assisted in the successful execution of these important tasks. His excellent performance of administrative duties and his inspiring leadership contributed materially to the destruction of eleven enemy vessels and the damaging of another, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 02121 (October 22, 1943)
Action Date: 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Executive Officer
Division: U.S.S. Swordfish (SS-193)
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BERGALL (SS-320), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine against enemy Japanese shipping in the South China Sea from 8 September to 8 November 1944. Aggressively developing all contacts, Commander Hyde launched destructive attacks against hostile shipping which resulted in the destruction of two cargo ships and a large enemy tanker. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 02121 (February 22, 1945)
Action Date: September 8 - November 8, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Bergall (SS-320)
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BERGALL (SS-320), in action against enemy Japanese forces during that submarine's THIRD War Patrol in the Southwest Pacific from 19 January to 17 February 1945. Aggressively seeking out enemy targets, Commander Hyde launched attacks which resulted in the sinking of 400 tons of enemy shipping and in the infliction of damage on a battleship and two large oilers. His cool leadership and inspiring to his officers and men, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 04751 (June 26, 1945)
Action Date: January 19 - February 17, 1945
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Bergall (SS-320)
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