Welcome to the USS Gurke DD-783
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
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 1000 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.
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 ConfigurationA description of the Gurke's original configuration and major changes.
USS Gurke NecrologyDedicated to the Memory of Deceased Shipmates
NOW HEAR THIS !!!
How The Gurke Changed My Life
AwardsFollow this link to see the awards received by this web site.
Recipe of the MonthThis month our Galley is presenting a recipe for 100 portions of Fried Chicken
Gurke Patch & Brass PlaqueThe brass plaque was found in an internet auction.
USS Gurke Caps, Shirts etc.Where to purchase USS Gurke items.
Nautical LinksView a selection of favorite Destroyer and Naval links.