My compliments to your work on the great web-site about the crews that served aboard the USS Salt Lake City. The effort you put into it is incredible.

My uncle Vernard Eugene Bivin served aboard the Salt Lake City and was killed Oct. 12, 1942, in the Battle of Cape Esperance, in the Solomon Islands. He was awarded the Navy Cross and had a ship named after him called "The USS Bivin", a destroyer. I have his Navy Cross medal along with the champagne bottle used by my grandmother to christen the ship in 1944.

I have always wondered if anyone out there remembered Vernard and maybe served with him.

Again, my compliments

Nephew, Bud Thomas

The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Vernard Eugene Bivin, S1c, USN, died of wounds following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country.

The Department appreciates your great anxiety, but details not now available and delay in receipt thereof must necessarily be expected. No information available at present regarding disposition of remains, but by reason of existing conditions burial at sea or in locality where death occurred highly probable. If further information is received, you will be promptly notified.

To prevent possible aid to our enemies, please do not divulge the name of his ship or station. The Department extends to you its sincere sympathy in your great loss.

Rear Admiral Randall Jacobs
Chief of Naval Personnel

Vernard Bivin was the son of Elmer Thomas and Ella Florence Walker Bivin of Central City, KY. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy 26 Mar 1940, and was later assigned to the USS Salt Lake City (CA-25), a heavy cruiser. The Salt Lake City sank a total of 15 enemy vessels and 12 aircraft in 31 battles during WWII.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance, 11-12 Oct. 1942, the Salt Lake City became known as the "one-ship fleet" when it fought a superior Japanese force to a standstill while rescuing the disabled USS Boise (CL-47). Seaman Bivin was posted as a gun trainer, or pointer. During the battle, the ship came under enemy fire, and Seaman Bivin was mortally wounded. Nevertheless, he continued at his post to keep the gun firing, performing his duties so well that his gun crew was not even aware that he was injured until a lull in the action. He died a short time later.

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