GILMORE, HOWARD WALTER - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy. Birth: 29 September 1902,
Selma, Ala. Appointed from: Louisiana. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross with
one gold star. Citation: For distinguished gallantry and valor above and
beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. 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
antisubmarine patrols, Comdr. 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. Comdr. Gilmore daringly maneuvered
to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port
side at 11 knots and bursting wide her plates. In the terrific fire of
the sinking gunboat's heavy machineguns, Comdr. 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 the fusillade of
bullets and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living
moments, Comdr. 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.
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