Name: Bernard Edward TISTHAMMER
Rank / Rating: CGM-Chief Gunner's Mate
Service #: 376 09 34
DOB: Jan 29, 1917
From: Lindsay, CA
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Martin Tisthammer
Went Aboard: Oct 22, 1940
Age When Ship Went Down: 28 years, 6 months, 1 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Carl Fahnestock and Patricia Stephens - Admins
Date Posted:

Bernard Edward Tisthammer was born on January 29, 1917 in Albion, Boone County, Nebraska. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Tisthammer of Lindsay, CA (per US WWII Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Casualties 1941-1945, /State of California, page 9,) Tisthammer enlisted in the United States Navy on July 30, 1940. After completing his initial training at Naval Training Station, San Diego, California, he went aboard USS Indianapolis (CA-35) on October 22, 1940. He served on board Indy for over one year prior to the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. At the time of his death, as a result of the July 30, 1945 sinking, he had served in the United States Navy for exactly five years to the day. A detailed review of the ship’s Muster Roll documentation shows that Bernard steadily progressed through the rates and ratings and achieved the following promotions during his tenure aboard Indy : - 22 Oct 1940 - Rate when received on board: AS (Apprentice Seaman) - 01 Nov 1940 - Promotion to Sea2/c (Seaman Second Class) - 01 Jul 1941 - Promotion to Sea1/c (Seaman First Class) - 01 Mar 1942 - Promotion to GM3/c (Gunner’s Mate Third Class) - 01 July 1943 - Promotion to GM2c (Gunner’s Mate Second Class) - 01 Jan 1944 - Promotion to GM1c (Gunner’s Mate First Class) - 01 Feb 1945 - Promotion to CGM (AA)(T) (Chief Gunner’s Mate Acting Appointment Temporary) - @ Jul 1945 - Expected Promotion to CGM (Chief Gunner’s Mate) Tisthammer’s progression in rate and rating was remarkable. Over his 5 years in the United States Navy, Bernard progressed in rate from a RS (Recruit Seaman) to a rating of CGM (Chief Gunner’s Mate). It is expected that he reached the CGM rating just weeks before the 7/30/1945 sinking. Diligent and dedicated searches for a photo of Tisthammer in a Chief Petty Officer uniform have failed. Given that he had just been promoted to the CGM rating in the month prior to the sinking; it appears that the photo of Bernard from his prior Gunner’s Mate petty officer rating (see above) is the only known photo available of him in Navy Uniform. Bravo Zulu (Well Done), Mr. Tisthammer. You are not forgotten! Copyright USS Indianapolis CA 35 Legacy Organization