Gurke (DD 783) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 8 text:

HISTORY OF USS GURKE (DD-783) Named for congressional Medal of Honor winner PFC HENRY GURKE, USMC, of Neche, North Dakota who was killed in action on Bouganville Island in November of 1943. The USS GURKE has had a noteable career in the Western Pacific During the course of two wars. Commissioned in 1945 as a 2,250 ton general purpose Gearing class Destroyer, GURKE is 390 feet long, 40 feet at the beam, and is manned by 260 men. Her armament includes 5 inch guns, anti-submarine weapons, and the latest array of small anti-aircraft missiles. During the invasion of Inchon in September 1950, GURKE was a member of the Sitting Ducks , remaining close to shore in order to provide gunfire support for the landing troops. She received three hits from enemy shore batteries, but suffered no fatalities. For her performance during this invasion GURKE was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. During a second patrol in Korea with Carrier Task 77, she received two direct hits from enemy shore batteries and seven fragmentation hits. Again no personnel fatalities resulted, and the enemy gun emplacements were soon silenced. During GURKE ' s Western Pacific operations in the early 60 ' s she visited four Australian ports and the Fiji Islands. She also saw extensive duty with the Joint Task Force at Christmas Island during the nuclear tests. After a period of operating with the First Fleet in the Eastern Pacific, GURKE entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Bremerton Washington in August 1963 for a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) conversion. During this modernization, older weapons gave way to new anti-submarine weapons systems making GURKE a fast, capable platform from which to launch a wide assortment of weapons tailored to meet current anti-submarine warfare situations. Upon completion of FRAM, GURKE resumed her duties as an active member of the Pacific Fleet operating out of her homeport of San Diego, California. Between then and October 1971, GURKE made five deployments to the Western Pacific area around the Tonkin Gulf and South China Sea. She actively participated in Navy Search and Rescue efforts for downed pilots, shore bombardments, operations with aircraft carriers and defense against attack of high speed PT boats and aircraft.

Page 7 text:

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS HENRY GURKE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (DECEASED) Born in Neche, North Dakota, on 6 November 1922, Private First Class Gurke atte nded the local schools and enlisted in the Marine Corps on 15 April 1942. Joining the Second Pack Howitzer Battalion of the Twenty-Second Marines, he shipped overseas on 30 July 1942 and landed at Apia, Upolu, British Samoa one month later. In September he was transferred to D Company of the Third Raider Battalion, and in February of 1943 accompanied his unit to the Russell Islands, returning to Esplritu Santos in March 1943. When he was transferred to M Company, Third Radier Battalion, Second Raider Regiment of the First Marine Amphibious Corps in June, Private First Class Gurke came face to face with the enemy in November at Bougain- ville. On 9 November 1943, he sacrificed his life in order that the BAR man by his side could continue to provide effective resistance to the enemy. For this action he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and presented to his parents at ceremonies in the Navy Department on 31 May 1944.

Page 9 text:

On 20 October 1971, GURKE departed San Diego for an extended deployment in the Western Pacific. After a brief stop in Hawaii for refueling and a little rest and relaxation, GURKE and her sister ships of Destroyer Squadron 15 arrived in Yokosuka, Japan to Join the U.S. Seventh Fleet operating in the Far East Theater. In November of 1971, GURKE participated in sea of Japan Operations for which she was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and twice deployed ahead of schedule to assist the Seventh Fleet in times of crisis. On 27 December 1971, she participated in the Indian Ocean Campaign, and on 1 April 1972 she began a series of Naval Gunfire missions in support of troops in Vietnam during the North Vietnamese offensive. During both of these operations, GURKE received very high praise and numerous commendations for her actions. During the months of April and May GURKE was a very active member of the Freedom Train Raiders, taking part in approximately 50 gunfire strikes on enemy positions. She often received hostile fire, but either ignored it or neutralized it as she singlemindedly accomplished her missions. These actions allowed GURKE to add the Combat Action Ribbon to her list of awards. GURKE ' s final 1972 combat zone deployment was spent on Gunfire Support missions in South Vietnam and counter-insurgency operations in North Vietnamese waters during the month of June. The ship returned to Yokosuka, and on 9 August entered the Naval Shipyard for a major overhaul. Once again the crew was called upon to demonstrate their professionalism, for the installation of new weapons systems, the conversion of the engineering plant to Navy Distrillate Fuel, and the general refurbishing of a 27 year old ship required a high degree of knowledge and skill. Again the crew of the GURKE was up to the task.