Howard Walter Gilmore, Commander, U.S.N.
— Born 29 September 1902, Selma, Ala. —
Panel 1:
Medal of Honor CitationFor 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 forsubmarine exploits against the enemy before his losson GROWLER: Navy Cross with one gold star, Purple HeartMedal, American Defense Medal with Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Submarine Combat insignia with three stars.
[Renderings of: Commander Gilmore, the USS
Growler, and the submariner's dolphin insignia]
Panel 2:
Insignia:
U.S. Submarine Veterans, World War II - Alabama Chapter
[Stone tablet on the ground in front of the upright "Take Her Down" Monument] :
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