John Michael Bermingham was born on 5 July 1905 in New York City. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1929. During the 1930's he served in many ships, including , and , and at various shore stations. In 1940 he was assigned as Executive Officer of the destroyer and at the outbreak of the war in the Pacific was second in command of the . During the first Japanese attack on Cavite 10 December, Peary's commanding officer was wounded and Lt. Comdr. Bermingham took command. The ship was assigned to offshore patrol and came under heavy air attack many times in the days to come. Only brilliant seamanship during bombing and torpedo attacks 26 and 27 December saved her from destruction. Despite the Japanese air superiority, Bermingham succeeded in bringing his ship to Darwin, Australia, to operate with Allied forces attempting to hold Malay Barrier. "Peary" operated with the cruiser in February, and was anchored at Darwin when the Japanese attacked with bombers on 19 February 1942. Bermingham got his ship underway and attempted to maneuver in the restricted waters; but, despite antiaircraft fire, his ship was hit with five bombs. Bermingham and about 80 of his crew went down with the ship. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.