Captain George DeMetropolis was born on April 5, 1909 in New York, NY, son of John and Helen (Gavaris) DeMetropolis. After attending High School in New York City, he entered the US Naval Academy and was graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 4, 1931.  His first years at sea were spent in the Battleship TEXAS as a junior officer in gunnery and engineering.  He then served in the submarine tender FULTON and the destroyers J.D. EDWARDS and DENT, his duties primarily as Gunnery Officer and First Lieutenant.  In July 1938 he was transferred to the Third Naval District and Navy Yard, New York, as Aide to the Commandant and Assistant Shop Superintendent.

     Returning to sea in March 1941 he was Assistant Damage Control Officer and Assistant First Lieutenant on board the USS NORTH CAROLINA.  Transferred to the USS PRINGLE in April 1943, he was the first Navigator, then Commanding Officer of that vessel until June 1944.  He was twice awarded the Bronze Star Metal with Combat “V,” while in that assignment.  He next served for two years as Commanding Officer of the USS WALLACE L. LIND and was awarded a Gold Star device in lieu of a third Bronze Star Metal with Combat “V,” for meritorious service in the Western Pacific War Area.  He was on board the LIND when she was present during the ceremonies in Tokyo Bay marking the Japanese surrender.

      In August 1945 he reported for duty at Columbus University in New York where he was Executive Officer of the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corp. Unit.  From July 1947 until June 1950 he was Fuel and Cargo Officer with the US Naval Mission to Greece.  For his service to that country he was decorated with the King George I Order of Commander.

      He returned to the third Naval District where he was Director of Distribution for a year, and the Director of Naval Personnel until December 1952, at which time he was assigned duty afloat as Commanding Officer of the  USS WRANGELL  AE-12 relieved of his command of that ammunition ship in March 1954 he was assigned as Administrative Officer at the New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, New York.  Following several months instruction at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, he returned to Greece to serve at the Royal Hellenic War College as Advisor of the Naval Section, Joint U.S. Military Aid Group, with headquarters in Athens.

NAVY Biographies Branch, OT-450
5 June 1957