WILLIAM F. BRINGLE was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer Of Observation Fighting Squadron One, in action against enemy forces during the Allied invasion of southern France in August 1944. He lead his flight of eight planes against a hostile motorized concentration on August 20, Commander (then Lieutenant Commander) Bringle skillfully maneuvered his group for maximum striking power and, pressing home his attacks with skill in the face of powerful anti-aircraft fire, contributed materially to the infliction of damage and destruction on seventy-five enemy motor vehicles. Leading a second strike against six heavily armed enemy trawlers in the Marseilles Area later the same day, he struck repeatedly at his target to assist in the beaching of four and the crippling of two additional enemy vessels. Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy antiaircraft fire which damaged his plane and forced him to land in the water on August 25, Commander Bringle continued to relay vital information to our forces regarding the fall of shot in the vicinity of three important hostile coastal batteries and, by his courageous efforts in the face of grave personal danger, contribed directly to the subsequent neutralization of these enemy emplacements. By his airmanship, initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Commander Bringle upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

ADM. Bringle joined the L.O.V. as a life member in 1989 and resided in California.