Name: Howard
Walter Gilmore
Rank and Branch: Commander, U.S. Navy
Born: 29 September 1902, Selma Alabama
Other Navy Awards: Navy Cross with one gold star, Purple
Heart
Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and valor and beyond
the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS Growler during
her fourth war patrol in the southwest Pacific from 10 January to 7
February 1943. Boldly striking at the enemy in spite of continuous
hostile air and anti-submarine patrols, Cmdr. Gilmore sank one
Japanese freighter and damaged another by torpedo fire, successfully
evading severe depth charges following each attack. in the darkness
of night on 7 February, an enemy gunboat closed range and prepared
to ram the Growler. Cmdr. Gilmore daringly maneuvered to avoid the
crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port side
and bursting wide her plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking
gunboat's heavy machineguns, Cmdr. Gilmore calmly gave the order to
clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself, remained on deck
while his men preceded him below. Struck down by a fusillade of
bullets and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final
living moments, Cmdr. Gilmore gave his last order to the officer of
the deck, "Take her down". The Growler dived; seriously damaged but
under control, she was brought safely to port by her well trained
crew inspired by the courageous fighting spirit of their dead
captain. |
