Bertram J. Rodgers passed away on Nov. 30, 1983

---

Retired Vice Admiral Bertram J. Rodgers
WWII Hero, Guest of Honor
June 13, 1975
Source: The Hoist

The Guest of honor at today's review, retired Vice Adm. Bertram J. Rodgers, was one of the US Navy's heroes during WWII, credited with winning a major sea battle.

The Admiral was born in Pittsburgh, PA., in 1894. He was graduated from South Pittsburgh High School, then was appointed to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. in 1912.

After graduating from the Academy in 1916, the newly-commissioned Ensign Rodgers was assigned to the battleship SOUTH CAROLINA, where he served during the course of WWI.

In June 1919, the future admiral was detached from the SOUTH CAROLINA and ordered to New London, CN., where he took submarine training. After three months aboard the submarine H-4, he commanded the submarines H-8 and R-8 successively.

After a brief stay with the pre-commissioning crew of the submarine S-41, he was ordered to the Submarine Base, Coco Solo, in the Panama Canal Zone where he served for two years as the engineer and repair officer.

On his return to the US, he served as executive officer of the submarine BONITA for a year, until may 1927.

After training at Lakehurst, NJ., he was designated a naval aviator, with a lighter-than-air classification. He served in lighter-than-air craft (also known as dirigibles or zeppelins) until June 1934, on the airships LOS ANGELES, AKRON & MACON.

Following his tour in airships, the future admiral alternated sea and shore duty tours, serving first as the skipper of the destroyer BLAKELY. Following that tour, he served as the port captain at Balboa in the Panama Canal Zone.

In June 1938, by then a commander, Rodgers assumed command of the destroyer leader SELFRIDGE. Two years later he was assigned to the Naval War College, Newport, RI., where he took the senior course.

From May 1941 to January 1943, he served in staff capacities with the office of the chief of naval operations and with the commander in chief, US Fleet.

In January 1943, the then Captain Rodgers assumed command of the heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY, one of the ships involved in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands in the North Pacific.

For his part in this battle, the soon-to-be admiral was awarded the Navy Cross and the SALT LAKE CITY was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.

B. J. Rodgers commanded the Destroyer USS Selfridge DD357 in 1937-38. After SLC, he made Admiral in 1944, went to the Mediterranean, and was involved in the landing in So. France, along with Patton. After '45, he became COMPHIBPAC, based here in Coronado, CA., then COM 12 in San Francisco, then on to Germany as COMNAVGER, back to San Francisco as Court Martial Board Chairman, and retired from the Navy in 1957, after 44 years of Commissioned Service.

Retirement here in Coronado, CA. for the next 26 years before his demise in 1983. He has 4 children, 13 grandchildren, & a loving wife for 61 years. His beloved wife passed away in 1981.

He certainly had a wonderful life, and I must say that his time on SLC was, I believe, the crowning glory of his service career. Especially the Komandorski Battle.