Lawrence George Bernard (February 9, 1914 – March 29, 1997), was a submarine commander during World War II who reached the rank of

rear admiral Rear admiral is a senior naval flag officer rank, equivalent to a major general and air vice marshal and above that of a commodore and captain, but below that of a vice admiral. It is regarded as a two star "admiral" rank. It is often regarde ...

in the

United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...

. Ensign Bernard graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1937. In 1939 he was instructed in submarine warfare at New London, and in February 1940 was assigned to the as the boat's communication officer and later as the executive officer. Bernard was awarded the

Silver Star The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an e ...

and the

Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Wh ...

for his actions in these positions. In May 1944, Lieutenant Commander Bernard took command of the , which was attached to the

Fleet Sonar School The Fleet Sonar School was a United States Navy facility located at Naval Station Key West, Florida for the training of Service personnel in Sonar techniques and equipment, and Anti-submarine warfare. The facility opened in 1940, after personnel w ...

in Key West, Florida. In July 1945 Bernard was promoted to the rank of commander and took command of the in October of that year. Admiral Bernard took command of the search for on May 29, after she went missing May 22, 1968.

References

United States Navy rear admirals (upper half) United States submarine commanders 1914 births 1997 deaths United States Navy personnel of World War II United States Navy personnel of the Korean War United States Navy personnel of the Vietnam War Recipients of the Silver Star United States Naval Academy alumni {{Aviation-bio-stub