Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Howard
Walter
Gilmore
MIA (WWII) KIA
September 29, 1902

–

February 7, 1943

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila

Howard Gilmore graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Growler (SS-215)

    Action Date:

    January 10 – February 7, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Commander Howard Walter Gilmore (NSN: 0-60210), United States Navy, 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, 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 the Growler. Commander 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, Commander 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, Commander 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.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Growler (SS-215)

    Action Date:

    June 29 – July 17, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Howard Walter Gilmore (NSN: 0-60210), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GROWLER (SS-215), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 June 1942 to 17 July 1942, in enemy controlled waters. During nine days in enemy controlled waters, Lieutenant Commander Gilmore, by expert maneuvering, boldly brought his submarine into an enemy-controlled harbor where men of war had been sighted and, in rapid succession, attacked three anchored 1700-ton Japanese destroyers with the result that the submarine sank two of these and seriously damaged the third. By skillful handling of his ship he was able to bring his ship home with only minor damages. Lieutenant Commander Gilmore’s courage, determination and fine seamanship throughout these operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Growler (SS-215)

    Action Date:

    August 5 – September 23, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Howard Walter Gilmore (NSN: 0-60210), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GROWLER (SS-215), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 August 1942 to 23 September 1942, in enemy controlled waters. Taking advantage of every favorable attack with alert skill and courageous efficiency, Commander Gilmore succeeded in sinking a total of 25,946 tons of enemy merchant shipping. By expert maneuvering he brought his boat safely through without material damage and his crew home without injury or loss of life. His gallant leadership and resourceful command were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.