Howard W. Gilmore

Howard W. Gilmore was a United States Navy submarine officer during World War II and a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. He is best remembered for his heroic sacrifice as commanding officer of the USS ''Growler'' during a surface engagement in the Solomon Islands area. His final command, "Take her down," became legendary in U.S. submarine history and cemented his legacy as an exemplar of courage and devotion to duty.

Early life and naval career

Howard Walter Gilmore was born in Selma, Alabama, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1920. He attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with the class of 1926. His early naval assignments included service on the battleship USS ''Mississippi'' and the destroyer USS ''Perry''. Gilmore subsequently volunteered for submarine duty, completing training at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. He served on several submarines, including the USS ''S-48'', and attended the Postgraduate School before the outbreak of World War II.

Command of USS Growler

In 1942, Gilmore was given command of the newly commissioned ''Gato''-class submarine USS ''Growler''. He led the vessel on its first three war patrols in the Pacific Theater, operating against Imperial Japanese Navy forces. Under his command, Growler achieved significant success, sinking multiple Japanese vessels including the destroyer ''Arare'' and damaging the cruiser ''Jintsū'' during the Battle of Kiska. For his aggressive and effective leadership during these patrols, Gilmore was awarded the Navy Cross and promoted to the rank of Commander.

Final patrol and sacrifice

On February 7, 1943, during its fourth war patrol, Growler encountered the Japanese convoy escort vessel ''Hayasaki'' near the Solomon Islands. Gilmore initiated a daring night surface attack. In the close-quarters engagement, Growler rammed the enemy ship, causing severe damage to the submarine's superstructure and leaving it immobilized on the surface. Japanese machine gun fire raked the bridge, wounding Gilmore and killing the Officer of the deck. Seriously injured and unable to get below quickly, Gilmore made the decisive command to the crew in the conning tower, "Take her down!" Sacrificing himself, he ordered the submarine to submerge without him, saving the vessel and its crew from certain destruction. The Growler successfully escaped and returned to Brisbane, Australia.

Awards and honors

For his extraordinary act of valor, Commander Gilmore was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration. The citation was presented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and accepted by Gilmore's widow. He was also awarded the Purple Heart for the wounds sustained in his final action. His earlier heroism had already been recognized with the Navy Cross, two Silver Star medals, and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. In 1944, the destroyer escort USS ''Gilmore'' was named in his honor.

Legacy and remembrance

Howard W. Gilmore's final order became a lasting symbol of sacrifice in the United States Submarine Force. His story is taught in Navy leadership courses and is enshrined at the United States Naval Academy. He is memorialized on the National Submarine Memorial in Groton, Connecticut, and at the National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington, D.C.. The annual Commander Howard W. Gilmore Award is presented to the top submarine squadron in the United States Pacific Fleet. His actions are commemorated in numerous historical accounts of the Pacific War and remain a powerful example of the ethos expressed in the Navy Regulations to safeguard one's command above all else.

Category:United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients Category:United States Navy personnel of World War II Category:1902 births Category:1943 deaths