GILMORE, Howard Walter
	PERSONALIA   Name:  Gilmore, Howard Walter Date of birth:  September 29th, 1902 (Selma/Alabama, United States) Date of death:  February 7th, 1943 (Between Truk and Rabaul, Pacific) Nationality:  American BIOGRAPHY:  Service Number 0-060210, commanding officer on the USS Growler (SS-215).Killed during engagement with Japanese gunboat. To save the boat He gave the order, "Take her down!" while he lay wounded on deck.       MEDAL OF HONOR - NAVY/MARINE CORPS (MOH) Rank: Commander Unit: U.S.S. Growler, U.S. Navy Action: Appointed from: Louisiana. Other Navy award: 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. Details: Awarded posthumously         NAVY CROSS Rank: Lieutenant Commander Unit: USS Growler (SS-215) U.S. Navy         NAVY CROSS Rank: Lieutenant Commander Unit: USS Growler (SS-215) Details: Received as star for the ribbon.         PURPLE HEART         Provide alterations or additional information Picture source:   - On Eternal Patrol Information source(s):   - Sterner C.D, Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present - Home of Heroes - On Eternal Patrol