Bob Bogert Fulfills Promise to Brother, John.

Emotions ran high following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  As with other families across the country, the Bogerts of Clifton, New Jersey, gathered around the radio to listen to the news broadcasts.  Bogert brothers, Charles, Bill and John, enlisted in the U.S. Navy the next day.

John Bogert served aboard the USS Barbel

John was a newlywed, having recently married his high school sweetheart, Betty Kovalycsik.  He would serve as a Seaman First Class aboard the submarine, the USS Barbel.  As he prepared to depart for war, he entrusted certain personal items to his little brother, Bob.  Just nine years old, Bob promised to look after John’s things while he was away.

The Barbel, piloted by Commander R.A. Keating, quickly became a rising star in the Pacific Fleet, amassing 10 kills in her first three war patrols.

Crew of USS Barbel sport 10-kill battle flag following third war patrol - Oct. 1944.

In January 1945, the Barbel returned to the South China Sea on her fourth tour.  On February 3, multiple enemy aircraft attempted to sink her with depth charges, but she escaped yet again.  However, the next day’s radio contact brought only eerie silence.  When the Barbel missed a rendezvous with Tuna on February 7, all feared the worst.

Enemy logs indicate that on February 4, a Japanese plane caught a surfaced U.S. submarine at the mouth of the Palawan Passage—the Barbel’s location.  The aircraft dropped two bombs with one scoring a direct hit on the bridge.  An explosion and subsequent fire were witnessed as the sub dove for protection.  The USS Barbel and her 81 crew members, including John Bogert and Albion’s Bernard Duesler, were never heard from again.

Bob Bogert never forgot his promise to his brother, John.  “My father did everything possible to keep John’s memory alive and held onto his records, cards and photos,” Bob’s daughter, Chris Bogert DePonte, said.  “My brother, John, is named after my uncle.”

This past fall, Bob, himself in the throes of stage IV cancer, arranged to have a marker placed at Arlington National Cemetery, a lasting memorial to his brother, John.  The U.S. Navy provided graveside services.

At Arlington National Cemetery, U.S. Navy detail folds American flag honoring John Witte Bogert as his brother, Bob and family look on.

Promise fulfilled, Bob Bogert and his family felt John's presence throughout the ceremony.

Chris will never forget the event.  “The last day my father and I were together in D.C., he grabbed my hand and said, ‘Finally, after all this time, John has a place of honor!  It’s so important!’  And he was right! I can’t help but think what was going through his mind as we gathered in Arlington.”

Bob Bogert passed away a week after the ceremony.  “I did not find out until Dad’s funeral that it was his goal to make it to Arlington,” Chris said.  “And he fought all summer to make this a reality.  Dad had fulfilled his promise, made as a little boy, to his brother, John.”

The families of the crew members of the USS Barbel grew close following their shared tragedy.  Many remain in contact yet today.

Chris Bogert DePonte kneels at the marker of her Uncle John, lost on the Barbel.

10 Responses to “Bob Bogert Fulfills Promise to Brother, John”

  1. Scott Kosmin says:

    Chris,
    Awesome…
    This can’t help but to “touch your heart”
    You made it possible for your Dad to fulfill his promise and to achieve a dream…You in turn have set an example for your son, that shows that “where there is a will; there is a way”.
    I am proud to know you and to have you as a friend !
    I know that your Dad and everyone else that knows you is just that much better off…

  2. Mary Kate Santulli says:

    Chris, This was just beautiful! Your uncle and dad’s story brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. It’s so important to remember the huge sacrifices so many families have made for our country. The Bogert family is truly special and remarkable. Thank you so much for sharing your family’s story. Your dad is smiling, I’m sure. Mary Kate

  3. Barbie Zurewich Raab says:

    Chris ,
    This is a wonderful tribute to your dad and uncle, true heroes. This ceremony gave your dad closure and peace . You have been relentless in making this happen. I am grateful to have been an extension of such a wonderful family. Bink’s spirit lives in you. That is the greatest gift. The example of pride and determination that Pete has seen in you will always be with him. Your honored friend

  4. Jeanne Scudlo says:

    I am truly touched by this article and Mr. Bogert’s determination to honor his brother even when he himself was suffering. Chris, I know you helped your father achieve this goal and I am so proud of you for this.

  5. Chris, You and I have enjoyed that “serendipity thing” every Christmas since 2006. You recalled our mother’s Christmas card to your Grandmother that included Gene’s (Frank) picture and requested a picture of her son John. It was postmarked December 1947 -3 cent stamp- and the simple return address: Cary, Illinois. After Jim Converse got in touch with Jack fifty-nine (59) years later, we exchanged information about the Barbel in a way we never dreamed possible. You and your Dad were on a mission. Mission accomplished! God bless and thank you.

  6. Jules Kazimir says:

    Chris, I will certainly share this with your dad’s high school alumni . Beautiful story!

  7. Christine says:

    My great-uncle, Ned Charles Cook, served on the USS Barbel at the same time. I am so glad that I was able to stumble across this post as I was researching him!

    • mikemccoy says:

      Christine,

      Great to have you on board. I looked up the pic of your great-uncle, Ned Charles Cook, this morning. We’d love to hear more about Ned, so please feel free to share his story. Anything we can help you with regarding the USS Barbel, just let us know.

  8. Chris deponte says:

    Hello Christine,

    I’m Chris Bogert Deponte, are you by chance near Butler NJ? I grew up in West Milford NJ. If your the family I’m thinking off I have tried to find you. I can share the Barbel information I have with you. I still live in NJ, please let me know.

    Best regards,
    Chris

    • Christine says:

      My dad’s family is from Butler, and my grandmother’s family is from West Milford. We no longer live in New Jersey, as we moved when I was younger.

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