As I think about tomorrow, I give thanks to those that came before me, served with me, and afterwards.
The legendary actions of Howard Walter Gilmore were the reason he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. As Commanding Officer of USS Growler (SS-215) on her fourth war patrol, Commander Gilmore, turned into an onrushing enemy gunboat and rammed it at 17 knots. As the two ships closed, the gunboat's machine guns raked the bridge of Growler killing the AOOD, Ensign William and lookout F3/C Kelley. Gilmore was badly wounded. The order had already been given to clear the bridge and to dive. The vents were open and the ship was submerging. As the men in the Conn waited for the last of the bridge party, Gilmore, Kelley and William to come down, they heard Gilmore order "TAKE HER DOWN." It is this unselfish sacrifice that demonstrates the finest in the submarine force tradition.