Wreford G. Chapple’s FIRST Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to
COMMANDER WREFORD GOSS CHAPPLE,
U.S. NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Wreford Goss Chapple, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-38 (SS-143), on the First War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 December 1941 to 14 January 1942, in enemy controlled waters off the west coast of Mindoro. On 12 December the U.S.S. S-38 reported sinking the first Japanese ship. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Chapple brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The complete story is that the ship sunk was a Norwegian freighter enroute Bangkok-Hong Kong. At the time it was presumed sunk by a Japanese sub, but none was in area. Although the attack was in error the ship would have been seized and used by the Japanese. 41 lost, 9 survivors. Chapple went on to sink numerous other Japanese ships during the war, commanding three different submarines.