Take Her Down

Take Her Down (HM1JSV)

Location: Selma, AL 36701 Dallas County
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Country: United States of America
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N 32° 24.333', W 87° 2.503'

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Inscription

Gilmore, Howard Walter - Commander, U.S.N.

— Born 29 September 1902, Selma, Ala. —

Medal of Honor Citation

For distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond
the call of duty as Commanding Officer of U. S. submarine
GROWLER (SS-215) 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, Commander 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 GROWLER. Commander Gilmore daringly maneuvered
to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead
ripping into her port side at 17 knots and bursting wide
her plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat's
heavy machine guns, Commander Gilmore calmly gave
the order, "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. Commander Gilmore gave his last order
to the officer of the deck: "Take her down." 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.

Other Navy awards conferred on Commander Gilmore for submarine exploits against the enemy before his loss
on GROWLER: Navy Cross with one gold star, Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Medal with Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-
Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal;
Submarine Combat insignia with three stars.
Details
HM NumberHM1JSV
Tags
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Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Saturday, March 28th, 2015 at 9:04pm PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)16S E 496077 N 3585390
Decimal Degrees32.40555000, -87.04171667
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 32° 24.333', W 87° 2.503'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds32° 24' 19.98" N, 87° 2' 30.18" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)334
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 1 Dallas Ave, Selma AL 36701, US
Alternative Maps Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap

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