Bridget (DE 1024) - Naval Cruise Book

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V T 5 T I 5 E Lp 'S v 5 i E T ' y 1 , T 1 T ,Y E Q, . at T 5' Mi' I 4 - I 1 Q, f . T of J ! T f 'ift ' 1 Z ' ' - 'f ' tif sf 45 yah ll' E .ff I T11 'igl , 1.5! ling! r ffitlav ' 'L W, f 1 4245 'T' Ziff 1 12 ' I- 1 , UNITED STATES SHIP BRIDGET QDE I024j CRLIISEBOOK FCDREWCRD To the men of BRIDGET: Our deployment to WESTPAC is completed, and we can look back with pride at the job that was done. The work came in long stretches and never seemed to let up just when we most needed a rest. But such was the nature and the importance of our task - and you proved yourselves equal to it. Our xsliip was honored with a letter of commendation from Commander Task Group 70.8 for outstanding overall performance in WESTPAC, Each man aboard BRIDGET can be assured that this citation was a direct tribute to his own contribution and dedication during deployment. It is hoped that this book will recall memories of our cruise, both the days land nightsb of hard work and the brief moments of relaxation. To those whom we left behind to share the burden of long separation - our wives, families, and friends - we dedicate -this book with admiration and affection. G :Z-Q--. Commander, USN Y i 0. , t , ig'

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CAPT FJ. BRIDGET Francis Joseph Bridget was born in Washington, D, C. on August 2, 1897, the son of Bernard M, and Josephine CMooreJ Bridget. He attended the Columbian Preparatory School in Washington, D, C. prior to his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 3, 1921, he subsequently advanced in rank, attaining that of Commander. He was posthumously appointed Captain by the Secretary of the Navy on August 28, 1945. He was awarded the Navy Cross and the Army Silver Star Medal, and cited in part as follows: Navy Cross: For extraordinary heroism and cour- age during operations against enemy Japanese forces in December, 1941. Although subjected to repeated and sus- tained enemy aerial attacks, Ctommander Bridget rendered outstanding service under the extremely hazardous and difficult conditions. . . Army Silver Star Medal: For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Bataan, on January 29, 1942. On his own initiative and volition, and despite the hazards of hostile aerial attack and artillery fire, Commander Bridget accompanied an expedition aboard the USS QUAIL, with the mission in conjunction with ground troops, of dislodging enemy forces established in a strategic area. The display of fearless devotion to duty revealed by this officer during the entire operation, as well as his superior seamanship and gunnery contributed in a large measure to the suc- cessful destruction of enemy forces. On June 17, 1943, Captain Bridget was reported a ffprisoner of war , and on December 15, 1944 was lost on board a Japanese prison ship sunk off Olongapo, Luzon, Philippine Islands. For exceptionally meritorious con- duct...while on board a Japanese prison ship, until that vessel was sunk... , he was awarded the Legion of Merit, posthumously. Self-sacrificing and constant in his concern for others, Commander Bridget made every effort to maintain discipline among the 800 American prisoners of war packed into the airless, humid holds of the ship, render- ing valiant service in sustaining the morale ofthe starving, panic-stricken men. With conditions rapidly becoming more acute and the men growing weaker, Chej, who could speak some Japanese, repeatedly risked his life to go top- side and endeavor to negotiate with the enemy to open ventilators, provide food and water and alleviate the situation for his entrapped companions. Aware that cer- tain death awaited any man attempting to leave the hold when the ship was subjected to the first of a series of attacks, he warned that attempted escape might lead to a mass slaughter by the Japanese and calmly assured the frantic prisoners that if the vessel sank all would be able to abandon ship before it went down... In addition to the Navy Cross, the Army Silver Star Medal, and Legion of Merit, Captain Bridget was entitled to the Purple Heart Medal, the Victory Medal, Atlantic Fleet Clasp CWorld War IJ, the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, and the Philippine Defense Ribbon. He was survived by his wife, the former Charlotte M, Ballou, who now resides at 2795 Green Street, San Francisco, California. The USS BRIDGET CDE 10241, named in his honor, was built at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company, Seattle, Washington and was sponsored by his widow at the launching on April 25, 1956.