VADM Bernard F. Roeder’s biography follows:

Vice Admiral Bernard Franklin Roeder
United States Navy
February 4, 1911 – September 3, 1971

Bernard Franklin Roeder was born in Cumberland, Maryland, on February 4, 1911. He entered the Naval Academy in 1927 with the class of 1931. Admiral John S. McCain was a classmate of his. Graduated with distinction, he was commissioned Ensign on June 4, 1931. He subsequently attained the rank of Rear Admiral on August 1, 1958 and Vice Admiral on March 1, 1965. From August 1931 to June 1937, he had sea duty successively aboard the USS Richmond (CL 9), USS Gilmer (DD 233), USS Farragut (DD 348), and USS Lexington (CV 2). In July 1937, he was ordered to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Communication Division, Navy Department.

Between January and November 1940, he was Assistant Communications Officer for the Sixteenth Naval District Cavite, Philippines, after which he was assigned to the Staff of the Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet, as Security Officer and Assistant Communications Officer. He was engaged in these duties at the outbreak of the conflict with Japan and during the early defense of the Philippines.

In January 1942, VADM Roeder was Communications Officer for the U.S. Naval Forces, Surabaya, Java, and in February and March 1942 he was a Flag Lieutenant and Communications Officer on the Staff of the Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet, at headquarters of the Supreme Commander of British-Dutch-U.S.

After, he was Assistant Communications Officer for the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces at Perth, Australia and continued in similar duties under the Commander, Southwest Pacific Forces, and Commander Seventh Fleet, at Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia. VADM Roeder’s World War II service continued from January 1943 to August 1945 in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

From September 1945 to February 1947, he served as Executive Officer of the USS New Jersey (BB 62), then Commanding Officer of the destroyer Lowry (DD 770), and Commanding Officer of the destroyer Collett (DD 730). He returned to shore duty in December 1947 and had a succession of communications and amphibious related tours until August of 1957.

In September 1957, VADM Roeder reported to the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. There he had an assignment as Assistant Director for Naval Security Group Matters, Naval Communications Division, and Head, Naval Security Group.

On May 5, 1959, his title was changed to Deputy Director of Naval Communications for the Naval Security Group/Head of the Naval Security Group, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.  On July 27, 1960, he reported as Commander Amphibious Group THREE and in October 1961 was detached for duty as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Communications) /Director, Naval Communications. On May 19, 1965, he became Commander Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet. On July 28, 1966, he assumed command of the FIRST Fleet.

In September 1969, he was assigned temporary duty in the Eleventh Naval District, headquartered in San Diego, California, and on October 4, 1969 was transferred to the Retired List of the U.S. Navy.

He held the Distinguished Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit with four gold stars.

Vice Admiral Roeder was married to the former Kathleen Fitch of Coronado, California. They had four children.

On the morning of September 3, 1971, Vice Admiral Roeder was taken to the Naval Hospital San Diego, California, after suffering a stroke. He died shortly after noon, at the age of 60.

Source: Echoes of Out Past