Navy Federal Credit Union

Charles Brindupke graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1932.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tullibee (SS-284)

    Action Date:

    December 14, 1943 – February 10, 1944

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01914 (March 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Commander Charles Frederic Brindupke (NSN: 0-71489), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TULLIBEE (SS-284), during the Third War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 14 December 1943 to 10 February 1944. Operating dangerously near hostile shores and in the face of bitter opposition, Commander Brindupke boldly delivered smashing torpedo attacks against heavily escorted hostile convoys, contributing materially to the success of his vessel in sinking an important amount of enemy shipping and, by his skillful evasive tactics during strong depth-charge counterattacks, returned safe to port undamaged. His forceful and aggressive leadership and the gallant fighting spirit of the officers and men under his command reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tullibee (SS-284)

    Action Date:

    September 28 – November 16, 1943

    Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 46 (February 18, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Charles Frederic Brindupke (NSN: 0-71489), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TULLIPBEE (SS-284) during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine from 28 September to 16 November 1943, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters in the Pacific War Area. Displaying brilliant tactical skill and fearless determination, Commander Brindupke attacked a group of hostile vessels, sinking and damaging an important amount of enemy tonnage. Following the engagement, when the Japanese violently depth-charged and bombed the submarine, sending her to the bottom, he coolly and courageously extricated his ship and throughout the ensuing day skillfully avoided severe air and surface countermeasures by the enemy. During two later engagements, he inflicted extensive damage on a hostile tanker and carried out a devastating bombardment of installations on an enemy-held island. Commander Brindupke’s inspiring leadership and the loyal devotion to duty of his officers and men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tullibee (SS-284)

    Action Date:

    July 19 – September 6, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Commander Charles Frederic Brindupke (NSN: 0-71489), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TULLIBEE (SS-284), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 19 July to 6 September 1943. A skilled and aggressive leader, Commander Brindupke boldly penetrated the enemy’s heavy escort screen to launch vigorous, brilliantly executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking and damaging of an important amount of Japanese shipping. By his expert evasive tactics and cool and courageous action in the face of grave danger, Commander Brindupke contributed essentially to the success of his ship in evading strong hostile countermeasures throughout a period of bitter offensive action and his zealous devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.