Please allow the duty Boatswain's Mate to Pipe you aboard USS Gurke DD-783
Boatswain's Pipe (218K,WAV)

 Before you start your tour of the GURKE Home Page please take time to:

Sign the Gurke Log All visitors are invited to sign the Gurke Log. Former Gurke crew members should use the Gurke Reunion Association form below to sign the log.
Join USS Gurke Reunion Association Former Gurke crew members please take a moment to register with the USS Gurke Reunion Association. You will be added to our mailing list and will receive complimentary copies of our newsletter containing reunion plans, activities of former shipmates and exciting sea stories.
View the Gurke Log See what your former shipmates are up to. There are over 900 entries so you might want to save this for a rainy day.
On-Line Roster  A chronological list of 700+ shipmates who have signed the log.

Search the 400+ pages of this site for former shipmates.
This is the easiest way to locate someone.

Enter a shipmates last name here:  

The GURKE is named in honor of Pfc Henry Gurke of the United States Marine Corps. Pfc Gurke was born 6 November 1922 in Neche, North Dakota. He attended local schools and enlisted in the Marine Corps 15 April 1942. Joining the Second Pack Howitzer Battalion of the Twenty-Second Marines, he shipped overseas on 10 July 1942 and landed at Apia, Opolu, British Samoa one month later. In September he was transferred to "D" Company of the Third Raider Battalion, and in February 1943 he accompanied his unit to the Russell Islands, returning to Espiritu Santos in March 1943.

He was transferred to "M" Company, Third Raider Corps in June. In November Private First Class Gurke came face to face with the enemy at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, Soloman Islands. On 9 November 1943, he sacrificed his life in order that the BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) man by his side could continue to provide effective resistance to the enemy. For this action he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and presented to his parents at ceremonies in the Navy Department on 31 May 1944. USS Gurke (DD-783) is the first ship named for Pfc Gurke.

You may follow this link to view the Medal of Honor Citation signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

After...
the de-commissioning ceremony has ended,
the colors have been hauled down,
the last watch has been secured and
the officers and crew have marched off...

....a ship passes into history but lives on in
the memories of those who served on her.

Long live the Gurke and the memory
of her namesake Pfc Henry Gurke!

USS Gurke History Brief history of USS Gurke from commissioning to start of career as HS Tombazis D-215 of the Hellenic Navy.
Commanding Officers Chronological record of former Commanding Officers with photos of some.
USS Gurke Configuration A description of the Gurke's original configuration and major changes.
USS Gurke Photo Gallery A large collection of images including photos of USS Gurke, Gurke Family Memorabilia, Cruise Books and Reunions.
USS Gurke Necrology Dedicated to the Memory of Deceased Shipmates
HS Tombazis D-215 Home page of the Hellenic Ship Tombazis D-215 (formerly the Gurke).

NOW HEAR THIS !!!

USS Gurke Reunion Association Reunion News plus Membership Info!!!
NEW!!! " How The Gurke Changed My Life How did it change yours??? Please Email me your story
Sea Stories This is a new item created to share the sea stories I get in the mail.
Awards Follow this link to see the awards received by this web site.
Recipe of the Month This month our Galley is presenting a recipe for 100 portions of Fried Chicken
Gurke Patch & Brass Plaque The brass plaque was found in an internet auction.
USS Gurke Caps, Shirts etc. Where to purchase USS Gurke items.
Nautical Links View a selection of favorite Destroyer and Naval links.

OUR MASCOT'S !!!

Topdog Photo of Dunes Thompson and ship's dog taken in 1945 or 46.
Joey's Page Photos and memories of "Joey" a pet wallaby that served on the Gurke during the 1961 Western Pacific Cruise.
PEPCO'S Page Photo and Verse Tribute to Canine Shipmate PEPCO.

In memory of PEPCO Lost at sea Off the coast of Korea In '53.

Last chance to sign the Ship's Log
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tom@ussgurke.org

This web site was created in 1985 by Tom Cheatum FT3 1952-1955 who was Commissioned
Admiral in Texas Navy by Texas Governor Rick Perry 14th day of June, AD, 2004.