Namesake

Rear Admiral John Duncan Bulkeley was a native of New York City, New York and received his Commission in 1933 from the United States Naval Academy. Throughout his 55 years of active service, his accomplishments include being awarded the Medal Honor for “Extraordinary Heroism” during the early months of World War II. In 1942, he evacuated General Douglas MacArthur and Philippine President Manuel Quezon from Manila Bay to the Southern Philippines. As Commander in 1944, he led Patrol Torpedo Boat 102 Squadron during the Normandy invasion. He led torpedo boats and minesweepers in clearing the lanes to Utah Beach, during which time he charged in with one working gun, engaging two enemy vessels at point-blank range sinking both. Afterwards, he pulled both British and German sailors from the water. His only explanation was, “What else could I do? You engage, you fight, you win. That is the reputation of our Navy, then and in the future.” His promotion to Captain saw him leading Destroyer Division 132 during the Korean War. After being promoted to Rear Admiral, he commanded Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and resolved the water crisis when Cuba stopped the base’s supply. His last assignment was President of the Board of Inspection and Survey in Washington, D.C and he 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 April 6, 1996 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.