World War II Honoree

Concepcion P. 'Bernie' Bernacil

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Salinas, California

Honored By

Richard E. Miller

Relationship

Historian

A NATIVE OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE HONOREE WAS TRAINED AS A FIRE CONTROLMAN AND SERVED ABOARD THE DESTROYER USS ELLIS IN THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC BEFORE TRANSFERRING TO THE CRUISER USS INDIANAPOLIS IN 1944. HE WAS ON WATCH WHEN THE LATTER SHIP WAS TORPEDOED AND SUNK IN THE PHILIPPINE SEA AFTER MIDNIGHT ON JULY 30, 1945. HE ENDURED THE NOTORIOUS ORDEAL OF FOUR DAYS AND FIVE NIGHTS IN THE SHARK INFESTED OCEAN BEFORE HE AND THE OTHER FORGOTTEN SURVIVORS WERE FINALLY DISCOVERED AND RESCUED.