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Photo # NH105686:  Rear Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN (Retired), (1911-1996)

John Duncan Bulkeley was born on 19 August 1911 in New York City, New York. Though a resident of New Jersey, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy from the State of Texas and graduated in June 1933. During sea duty as a junior officer, Bulkeley served in the heavy cruiser Indianapolis, the transport Chaumont, the gunboat Sacramento, and the aircraft carrier Saratoga. In May 1937, he was promoted from Ensign to Lieutenant Junior Grade. During the first half of 1941 he commanded Submarine Chaser Division Two and Submarine Chaser Squadron One, receiving promotion to Lieutenant in April, and took command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three in August. When Japan began the Pacific War in December 1941, Lieutenant Bulkeley skillfully led his PT boats in Philippine area combat operations, damaging or destroying numerous enemy planes and ships. In March 1942, he evacuated General Douglas MacArthur and Philippine President Quezon from Manila Bay to the southern Philippines. For his "extraordinary heroism" during the difficult early months of World War II, John D. Bulkeley was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Returning to the United States in May 1942, Bulkeley was assigned to the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Training Center at Portsmouth, Rhode Island. In October, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and ordered to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Seven. While serving with his squadron, he was hospitalized for a period of time. In January 1944, he was promoted to Commander and a few months later assumed command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Two. Bulkeley then transferred to Patrol Torpedo Boat Squadron One Hundred Two, leading the squadron during the Normandy D-Day Invasion. Days after, he transferred to command USS Endicott, serving off the Southern French coast. In August 1945, he fitted-out and served on board USS Stribling. After shore duty at the Naval Academy, he reported in May 1948 as the Executive Officer of Commander, Amphibious Group Two on board USS Mount Olympus. After training, he was assigned as the Chief of the Weapons Division of the Military Liaison Committee to the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C.

After a promotion to Captain in July 1952, Bulkeley became Destroyer Division One Hundred Thirty Two and served during the Korean War. Remaining in the area, he transferred as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Cruiser Division Five. Returning to Washington D.C., he became a staff officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After this tour, he commanded USS Tolovana before assigned as Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twelve. In July 1960, he commanded the Clarksville Nuclear Modification Center at Clarksville, Tennessee. After a promotion to Rear Admiral in 1963, he assumed command of Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and resolved the water crisis when Cuba stopped the base's supply. In June 1966, he became Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Eight. A year later, he assumed duties as President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in Washington, D.C and remained in that position until retiring in August 1988. Upon his retirement, he was promoted by Congress to Vice Admiral on the retired list. John D. Bulkeley died on 6 April 1996 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

USS Bulkeley (DDG-84), 2001-____, is named in honor of Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley.

This page features portrait-type photographs of John D. Bulkeley, and provides links to other images concerning him.

For additional images related to John D. Bulkeley, see:

  • Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN, -- Non-portrait Views taken through 1945.
  • Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN, -- Non-portrait Views taken from 1946 through 1976.
  • Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN, -- Non-portrait Views taken from 1977 onwards.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: 80-G-K-13927 (Color)

    Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley, USN

    Photographed circa Spring 1942, shortly before he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions while in command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three during the Philippines Campaign, December 1941-April 1942.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 43KB; 585 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-K-16435 (Color)

    Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley, USN

    Standing in front of a map of the Western Pacific, circa Spring 1942, soon after his return to the United States from the Philippines.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 45KB; 580 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-70595

    Lieutenant Commander John D. Bulkeley, USN

    Photograph dated 4 September 1942.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 61KB; 585 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: NH 105684

    Commander John D. Bulkeley, USN


    Photographed circa 1944.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

    Online Image: 38KB; 585 x 765 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 105692

    Captain John D. Bulkeley, USN


    Photographed circa the mid-1950s, probably while serving as Chief of Staff to Commander, Cruiser Division FIVE.
    Note the Medal of Honor ribbon at the top of his service ribbons.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

    Online Image: 43KB; 580 x 765 pixels

     
    Photo #: USN 1095030

    Rear Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN

    Photograph dated 10 March 1964. He was then serving as Commander, Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 55KB; 580 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: NH 105685

    Rear Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN


    Photographed circa the 1960s.
    Note his Medal of Honor ribbon.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

    Online Image: 50KB; 580 x 765 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 105686

    Rear Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN


    Photographed circa the 1960s wearing his medals, with the Medal of Honor hung around his neck.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

    Online Image: 55KB; 575 x 765 pixels

     



    Medal of Honor citation of Lieutenant Commander John Duncan Bulkeley, USN. (with a minor typographical correction of the text printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 162):

    "For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty as Commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE, in Philippine Waters during the period 7 December 1941 to 10 April 1942. The remarkable achievement of Lieutenant Bulkeley's Command in damaging or destroying a notable number of Japanese enemy planes, surface combatant and merchant ships, and in dispersing landing parties and land-based enemy forces during the 4 months and 8 days of operation without benefit of repairs, overhaul or maintenance facilities for his Squadron, is believed to be without precedent in this type of warfare. His dynamic forcefulness and daring in offensive action, his brilliantly planned and skillfully executed attacks, supplemented by a unique resourcefulness and ingenuity, characterize him as an outstanding leader of men and a gallant and intrepid seaman. These qualities coupled with a complete disregard for his own personal safety reflect great credit upon him and the Naval Service."


    For additional images related to John D. Bulkeley, see:

  • Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN, -- Non-portrait Views taken through 1945.
  • Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN, -- Non-portrait Views taken from 1946 through 1976.
  • Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, USN, -- Non-portrait Views taken from 1977 onwards.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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    Page made 10 May 2008