>From the “Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships,” (1970) Vol. 5, p.250 PENNEWILL William Ellison Pennewill, born in Dover, Del., 20 February 1907, was appointed Midshipman 18 June 1925. He was commissioned Ensign 6 June 1931 and reported for duty under instruction in flying, at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. His next duty was in heavy cruiser SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), then with Scouting Squadron 10-S, aboard heavy cruiser CHICAGO (CA-29). On 7 March 1932, he reported for duty with the Aircraft Scouting Force until 2 June 1934, when he was transferred to Bombing Squadron 3-B, aboard aircraft carrier RANGER (CV-4). He returned to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola and on 2 August 1941 joined the 16th Bombardment Wing. After serving at the Savannah Air Base, Savannah, Ga., until 6 March 1942, he was assigned duty involving flying in connection with the fitting out of Escort Scouting Squadron Twelve. On 29 May 1942, as Lieutenant Commander, he was in command of the squadron and while serving in this capacity, was killed, 23 June 1942, as a result of an airplane crash, while on duty at the Naval Air Station, Kodiak, Alaska. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for outstanding achievement in aerial flight in contact with the enemy, for leading his inexperienced squadron in a series of remarkable flights over strange terrain and through most severe weather conditions, and for gallantly giving his life in the service of his country. DE-175 Displacement: 1,240 t. Length: 306’ Beam: 36’8” Draft: 8’9” Speed: 21 k. Complement: 186 Armament: 3 3”; 2 40mm; 8 20mm 3 21” torpedo tubes 8 depth charge projectors 1 hedge hog Class: BOSTWICK PENNEWILL (DE-175) was laid down 26 April 1943 by the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newark, N J; launched 8 August 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Lucie Reilly Pennewill; and commissioned 15 September 1943, Lt. John Edward Allen, USNR, in command. After shakedown, PENNEWILL steamed to Trinidad, British West Indies, for convoy escort duty. On 20 November 1943, she departed Trinidad as part of the escort for convoy TJ-15 arriving Recife, Brazil, 5 December. PENNEWILL was engaged in operations with Task Group 42.2 from December 1943 to April 1944, escorting convoys from Trinidad to Recife, Brazil, and return. She also completed several special missions. From 25 to 27 December 1943, she escorted U.S. Army transport STATE OF MARYLAND from Trinidad to San Juan, Puerto Rico. From 21 to 22 January 1944, she was escort for British tanker DESTINY out of Recife to rendezvous with Task Group 41.4. PENNEWILL arrived at Bahia, Brazil 26 April. During the following months she operated with light cruiser MEMPHIS (CL-13), conducting patrol and escort duty off the coast of Brazil and engaged in training operations in the Bahia-Recife area. On 28 July, she sailed from Recife to Natal, Brazil, where she decommissioned and was leased to the Government of Brazil 1 August 1944. She was transferred to Brazil 30 June 1953 and was struck from the Navy List 20 July 1953. Her Brazilian name is BERTIOGA, (BE-1). [Designated Destroyer Escort (CTE), BERTIOGA’s pennant was changed to D21 around 1962. She was removed from the list of Brazilian warships in 1964.] “Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1961-62,” p.22; “1968-69,” p.26 Transcribed by Michael Hansen mhansen2@home.com