Harry Brinkley Bass, KIA during WWII, Awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star.

The destroyer U.S.S. Brinkley Bass DD-887 was named for Naval Aviator Lieutenant Commander Harry Brinkley "Brink" Bass.

Brink Bass was born 04 July 1916 in Chicago, Illinois, to Percy Bass and Verna Maulding Bass. The Bass family later moved to Beaumont, Texas, where they lived on Hospital Road, and then French Road. He attended Averill Elementary School and Dick Dowling Junior High School. His religion was Presbyterian.

When he was 10 years old, Bass visited California. "Did you ever hear of Hoot Gibson? I met him coming out of a store when I was out there and he let me take his picture. I have it hanging up on the wall at home," Bass told a reporter for the New York Evening Post in 1929.

Boy Scout
Brink Bass was a Boy Scout and a member of Troop 6 under the leadership of Scout Master Harry P. Jirou. Bass earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 12. Bass attended the International Scout Jamboree at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, England in 1929, as the youngest of the group of 13 Scouts from Beaumont making the trip. On the return trip, the Scouts also visited Paris, World War I battlefields in France, and New York City.

Bass received attention in the press for some remarks he made about the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII). In an article in the 23 August 1929 issue of the New York Evening Post, Bass said that the Prince wore "sloppy" shorts when he visited the Scout camp. "Of course, I didn't see the Prince in civilian dress, but when he came to review the Scout Troops, he wore his shorts turned up all around the bottom. And he had a rope around his waist instead of a belt." Bass also said that the Prince "has a way about him that makes one forget the shorts." While in New York, Bass and the Scouts met Mayor James J. Walker. When asked by a reporter to judge the Mayor's apparel, Bass said "Well, ma'am, the Mayor's suit fits him like a finger in mud." Bass went on to say "He's a fine fellah, the Mayor. And so, 'generously,' is the Pince of Wales. He's a good Scout, too."

Bass and the other Scouts were also interviewed by the New York Herald Tribune on 23 August 1929. The American Scouts took army cots and blankets for sleeping, while the British Scouts slept on woolen blankets on the ground. "We would have died if we had done what the British did. It rained every day except three while we were at Arrowhead. We were not used to the climate," Bass said.

High School
Brink Bass attended Beaumont High School (now Central Senior High School) in Beaumont, Texas. In his Sophomore year in 1930, he was elected to the Student Council. In his Junior year in 1931, Bass was elected by his classmates to again serve on the Beaumont High School (BHS) Student Council. He was selected by faculty vote to be a member of the Faculty Advisory Council, which served as a steering committee for the entire Student Council. Bass served as a Sports Editor for the school newspaper, The Beaumont School News.

In his senior year in 1932, Bass was even more active at BHS. He was again selected by faculty vote to be a member of the Faculty Advisory Council. He was again elected by student vote to be a member of the Student Council and served as its Vice President. He was also Home Room Treasurer. He served as a Features Editor for the school yearbook, The Pine Burr. He was also a member of The Wranglers, a boys social club at BHS devoted to activities in the community. Members were chosen as being "representative seniors with their share of pep." The Wranglers' moto was "pep ne plus ultra" (roughly, pep to the maximum).

The following is from the 1932 Pine Burr:

"Well, I don't think the Prince of Wales is so hot!" said Brinkley Bass, of Beaumont, Texas, and within twelve hours the whole world laughed out loud. Such is the fame that our own little Brink brought to us after his jaunt in Europe with the Boy Scouts. Brink's a good scout, wherever you meet him, and he will always be prominently identified with the Seniors of '32. College
After graduating from Beaumont High School on 02 June 1932, Bass attended South Park College (now Lamar University) in Beaumont during the 1932-1933 academic year. Bass enrolled for the Fall 1933, but withdrew during the semester.

After leaving South Park College, Bass attended Halls War College, also known as West Point-Annapolis Coaching School, in Columbia, Missouri, between Fall 1933 and Summer 1934.

At The Naval Academy
Bass entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, on 11 June 1934. He was appointed by the Honorable D.D. Glover of the 6th. Arkansas district. His Guardian was listed as his uncle Marion F. West of 601 South Third Street, McGehee, Arkansas. West's occupation was as an Engineer for the Missouri Pacific railroad. (The USNA appointments for Texas were filled, so Bass entered through this connection in Arkansas.)

He studied Spanish. In the summer of 1936, he was retained at the Naval Academy as an instructor. He was elected Captain of the Tennis Team for 1937-38. He earned these athletic awards: Gymnasium Manager, small block N, 1934-35; Water Polo, large block N, 1934-35; Tennis, large block N, 1934-35, 1935-36, 1936-37, 1937-38. Bass earned these special awards: appointed 1st. Platoon Commander in 1936; qualified as Expert Pistol Shot and appointed Midshipman C.P.O. in 1937; and qualified as Expert Rifleman in 1936-37.

Having successfully passed all terms, he was graduated on 02 June as a member of the Class of 1938, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and commissioned as an Ensign (Line). The following entry is from the 1938 edition of Lucky Bag (the Annual of the Regiment of Midshipmen):

HARRY BRINKLEY BASS, Beaumont, Texas, "BRINK" "COGNAC"
The minute Brink entered the Academy he began to make friends, and he is still going strong, without having lost any along the way. His ready grin and love of fun have made him popular with everyone. His friendly manner, however, covers a more serious side, and he has devoted enough attention to academics to place himself high in the class. In athletics, tennis has claimed most of his time, and by his work he has earned a block N and a varsity berth. Occasionally he takes a fling at dragging, but he generally favors the stag line at the hops. After four years here with him, we shall always remember Brink as lighthearted and gay, but dependable when the going is rough.

Naval Career
Following graduation from the Naval Academy, Bass served on the heavy cruiser U.S.S. New Orleans CA-32 from 29 June 1938 until 10 June 1939. From 12 June 1939 to 07 August 1940, he served on the destroyer U.S.S. Farragut DD-348, based out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

He received flight training at the Naval Air Stations at Pensacola and Miami, Florida, from August 1940 to April 1941. He was designated as a Naval Aviator on 18 February 1941. He was assigned to duty in bombing squadron VB-2 on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lexington CV-2 in May 1941. In September his squadron participated in army maneuvers in Louisiana.

Three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Bass, from the Lexington sent a letter home to his parents in Beaumont, Texas:

10 December 1941

Dearest Folks,

Well it is here at last! We know very little more than you probably do.

I am all right and expect to stay that way. Please do not worry, as so far there has been no cause for it.

Can't say much. I feel fine and am getting plenty of sleep and good food.

Please try not to worry too much because it doesn't look like much cause for it.

Brink

Again from the Lexington, Bass writes a letter home to his parents:

22 Feb 1942

Dearest Mother & Dad

Time is passing a lot faster now that we are getting more in the show.

Recently we had a "set to" with our little "yellow brothers" and came out mighty well. We exceeded my wildest expectations.

In the morning two Jap four engine patrol bombers that were scouting us were shot down in flames. In the middle of the afternoon our force had a meeting with 18 two engine Jap bombers. Then is when our fighters, assisted slightly by the S.B.D.'s, went hog wild. Sixteen of them went down burning and one landed on the water. There is a slight possibility that two of them may have gotten away, but there is also a possibility that none of them may have returned to their base. The one seen getting away was limping pretty badly.

Now here is the part hard to believe but it is true: Our force suffered no damage or personel loss. Our whole force is proud of itself, and hope to do as well in the future.

I didn't tell you all before but some time ago we crossed the equator. That entitles me to the title of "Shellback." The ceremonies are a lot of fun.

Hope to get some mail soon. Know that you are writing regularly. Let me know if my letters are coming in all right.

Brink

On 10 March 1942, Bass and other planes from Lexington participated in a raid on Japanese ships at Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea. 15 enemy destroyers, cruisers, troop ships, and supply ships were sunk or damaged.

In the battle of Coral Sea (04 to 08 May 1942), Bass, other planes from Lexington, and planes from U.S.S. Yorktown CV-5 assisted in the sinking of the Japanese carrier Shoho, damaging another, and shooting down 67 Japanese planes. As a result of enemy action, the Lexington was sunk.

As a result of his actions at New Guinea and Coral Sea, Lieutenant Bass was awarded the Navy Cross with the following citation:

"For distinguished service in the line of his profession as a pilot of a Scouting Squadron, when, on March 10, 1942, in enemy waters, he pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking one of them."
Bass also received a Gold Star, in lieu of a second Navy Cross, for his New Guinea and Coral Sea exploits with the following citation:

"For extraordinary heroism and conspicious devotion to duty as pilot of a dive bomber in action against Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on May 7, 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, he dived his plane at an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier and released his bomb with calm and accuracy. By grim determination and expert appraisal of his objective, he contributed materially to the high percentage of hits inflicted by his particular squadron and assisted in ultimate destruction of the enemy carrier. His individual action was an important factor in the colletive success of those United States Naval forces which engaged in the enemy in the Battle of the Coral Sea."
Bass was assigned to assist with fitting out of fighting squadron VF-29 onboard the escort aircraft carrier U.S.S. Santee CVE-29. He served in the squadron from July to December 1942, and as commander until April 1944. The Santee was assigned to support the North African invasion. Bass was one of only five experienced airmen in his squadron. From 08 to 13 November 1942, VF-29 flew 164 sorties, dropped 96 bombs, and fired 75,390 rounds of amunition. VF-29 attacked French troop and gun positions, shot down two aircraft, destroyed or damaged 48 aircraft on the ground, and destroyed 40 or more trucks. Upon completion of operations, Santee returned to Norfolk, Virginia, for repairs and alterations. During 1943, Santee operated in the Atlantic, and in December, made a quick ferry trip to England.

For his actions with VF-29 during the occupation of French Morocco in November 1942, Bass was awarded the Silver Star with the following citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as pilot in a fighting squadron during the occupation of French Morocco, November 08-11, 1942. Leading a three-plane raid on a hostile airfield, Lieutenant Bass, with bold determination and utter disregard for his own personal safety, contributed to the destruction of six planes and damage to four others. On subsequent occasions he led vigorous attacks against gun emplacements, aircraft, and truck columns which resulted in the silencing of two 75-mm. guns and the destruction of of 19 planes and 14 trucks. His superb flying skill and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the higest traditions of the United States naval service."
Bass received the Air Medal for his actions in anti-submarine patrols with this citation:

"For meritorious achievement in the line of his profession while participating in an aerial flight as pilot of a United States navy fighter plane. Lieutenant Bass was participating in an anti-submarine patrol on 14 July 1943 when an enemy submarine was sighted. He immediately maneuvered his plane into position and attacked the surfaced submarine with machine gun fire. Lieutenant Bass made a total of four strafing attacks doing extensive damage to the conning tower and to the exposed personnel. The submarine, defenseless in the face of the concentrated fire, was forced to submerge, permitting a companion plane to make an unopposed bombing attack which resulted in the probable destruction of the enemy submarine. The action described above in which an enemy submarine was probably destroyed through the co-ordinated attack of a fighter and bomber plane reflects great credit upon the Naval Service."
Bass also received the following letter of commendation:

"The commander-in-chief, Atlantic fleet, notes with pleasure and gratification the report of the anti-submarine activity of the planes of Fighting Squadron 29 during the period 13 June 1943 to 06 August 1943. During the above period when the squadron under your command operated from the U.S.S. Santee on offensive anti-submarine patrols, the agressiveness, accuracy, and persistence which characterized all pilots' attacks resulted in the probable destruction of a number of enemy submarines and in damage to others. The record compiled by your squadron in these operations was made possible by the high degree of proficiency at which the squadron was maintained at all times as a result of the advanced state of training accomplished under your leadership. The commander-in-chief, Atlantic fleet, commends you upon the courageous, agressive spirit, of your command, and upon your inspiring leadership in operational and administrative capacities by which you kept the spirit at a continuously high point at all times." Bass was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander on 01 March 1944. LtCdr. Bass reported aboard the escort aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kasaan Bay CVE-69 in April 1944 as commander of fighter squadron VF-74. He flew the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft.

He was killed in action by German anti-aircraft ground fire near Vanosc, in Southern France, on 20 August 1944. LtCdr. Bass was 28 years old at the time of his death. He was never married.

The following editorial was published in the Beaumont Enterprise:

With the thousands of American boys who are sacrificing their lives for their country in this war, perhaps there is no reason to single out one for editorial mention. The sacrifice of each one is just as great as the other. He has given all he has for his country, he will be mourned, by his family just as sincerely whether he has been a hero or has just gone about his duties without creating any special attention.

But news of the death of Lieutenant Commander Brinkley Bass in action, ends a career that has been spectacular for all his brief 28 years. Brink was a typical precocious, energetic, resourceful and daring youth who was destined to go ahead no matter what the conditions surrounding him, war or peace.

He was one of the outstanding boy scouts, one who stood out not only at home but who attracted attention of people wherever he went. When Brink went to England to the World Scout jamboree, he came back free to comment on the customs of the English people, and out of a large delegation was picked out on the city hall steps in New York for interviews to be sent broadcast on news wires, that in his opinion Mayor Walker's dress was superior to that of the Prince of Wales, and other pertinent comment about the metropolis and of England.

He survived the U.S.S. Lexington in the Battle of The Coral Sea, was at Midway, Lae, Salamau and was in the campaign in North Africa. He had received the navy cross, gold star, navy air medal, and silver star.

Brink Bass is mentioned here because he typifies the best in American youth, the kind that is winning this war for our country. For one who never met him, but has followed his activity since youth in news stories, it is hard to think of Brink as having been counted out in life's battle.

Service Decorations
LtCdr. Bass received the following awards in his Naval career. The awards are listed in order of precedence.

Navy Cross (and Gold Star). Awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism not justifying award of the Congressional Medal of Honor in military operations against an armed enemy. This combat decoration is awarded only for extraordinary heroism in the presence of great danger and personal risk. It is the second highest decoration for Naval personnel.

Silver Star. Awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed enemy force. It is awarded for combat action and is the third highest decoration of the United States.

Distinguished Flying Cross. Awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.

Air Medal. Awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by mertorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. It is awarded in recognition of single acts of heroism or merit for operational activities against an armed enemy. It is also awarded for meritorious services or for sustained distinction in the performance of duties involving regular and frequent participation in aerial flight.

Purple Heart (awarded posthumously). Awarded to members of the armed forces wounded in combat action. It is also awarded posthumously to next of kin of personnel killed in action or who died of wounds received in action.

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Awarded to members of the armed forces who served in the prescribed area or aboard certain ships for a 30-day period between 07 December 1941 and 08 November 1945.

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. Awarded for 30 days active service in the prescribed area or aboard certain ships, between 07 December 1941 and 08 November 1945.

American Defense Service Medal. Awarded to members of the armed forces for service during the limited emergency proclaimed by the President on 08 September 1939 or during the unlimited emergency proclaimed by the President on 27 May 1941.

Burial Sites
LtCdr. Bass was initially burried in a church cemetary at St. Bonnet Le Froid, Vanosc, France, August 1944. His remains were moved to the Bass family plot in Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock, Arkansas, in September 1948. A plate enscribed "LIEUTENANT COMMANDER H. BRINK BASS; JULY 4 1916; AUG 20 1944; WENT DOWN WITH HIS PLANE; ST. BONNET -- SOUTHERN FRANCE" marks his grave. An urn enscribed "BASS" marks the family plot.