Bogan, Gerald F. (Gerald Francis), Adm., 1904-1973

Biographical/Historical note

Gerald F. Bogan, Vice Admiral, U.S.N., was a distinguished veteran of 38 years of naval service. Bogan served as Commander, First Task Fleet, Pacific; as Commander, Air Force, Atlantic; as Commander, Fleet Air, Alameda; and as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Saratoga.

Admiral Bogan was born 27 July 1894, Mackinac Island, Michigan. He was a 1916 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and, among his many decorations, was awarded the Navy Cross for heroic action during World War II. He was elected to the Naval Aviation Hall of Honor in 1992, National Museum of Naval Aviation.

Admiral Bogan was one of the earliest naval aviators, earning his wings at Pensacola, Florida in 1924. In 1925, he was assigned to VF Squadron One in San Diego, California, serving on board the carrier Langley, first as executive officer, then, in 1926, as commanding officer. Later, Admiral Bogan served as the first commanding officer of the Miami, Florida Naval Air station.

He commanded air squadrons on the carriers Langley, Lexington and Saratoga, commanding the Saratoga at the outbreak of World War II. As a task force commander in the Pacific, he was awarded two Legions of Merit, as well as the Navy Cross for “extraordinary heroism and distinguished service” during an engagement in Philippine waters on 25 November 1944, in which all carriers in his force had been damaged by heavy enemy aerial attacks. In 1945, he commanded Carrier Division 4 and Task Group 38.2.

Admiral Bogan passed away in La Jolla, California on 3 June 1973, survived by his widow, Katherine, and a step-son, Harold A. Fisher of San Diego. Admiral Bogan’s military and personal records were donated to the San Diego Air & Space Museum as a portion of Mr. Fisher’s estate.

From the guide to the The Personal Collection of Adm. Gerald Francis Bogan, 1919-1963, (San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives)