Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Gelzer
Loyall
Sims
November 18, 1903

–

April 21, 1965

Cemetery:

Sunnyside Cemetery

Gelzer Sims graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1925. He retired as a U.S. Navy Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Maury (DD-401)

    Action Date:

    November 30 – December 1, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Gelzer Loyall Sims (NSN: 0-59341), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MAURY (DD-401) on 30 November and 1 December 1942, as third ship in column of the van destroyers engaged Japanese surface forces with gunfire, expending eighty rounds, while subjected to torpedo and gun fire from the enemy. Commander Sims subsequently provided escort protection to the U.S.S. PENSACOLA, then joined the U.S.S. NEW ORLEANS and, under extremely difficult circumstances, assisted that ship safely into Tulagi Harbor, moored alongside the NEW ORLEANS and anchored for her. Commander Sims was an inspiration to his officers and men, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Maury (DD-401)

    Action Date:

    August 6 – 7, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 002142 (October 13, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Gelzer Loyall Sims (NSN: 0-59341), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MAURY (DD-401), during a surface engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Vella Gulf, Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 – 7 August 1943. In a well timed and coordinated gun and torpedo attack his ship together with five other destroyers engaged, destroyed and sank an entire enemy force consisting of a cruiser and three destroyers. Commander Sims, by his skillful maneuvering, bold and aggressive attacks brought his ship and crew through this most successful engagement without loss or damage. His inspiring leadership and gallant fighting spirit reflect great credit upon Commander Sims, his command and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Maury (DD-401)

    Action Date:

    July 13, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 001979 (September 28, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Gelzer Loyall Sims (NSN: 0-59341), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MAURY (DD-401) during the engagement with Japanese naval forces off Kolomgangara Island, British Solomon Islands in the early morning of 13 July 1943. During the opening phase of this night action Commander Sims, handling his ship with superb skill and daring, directed the accurate and highly sustained fire of his guns upon a force of six enemy vessels and fired torpedoes into the enemy formation thereby contributing materially to the complete destruction of at least four and probably all of the Japanese ships. Following the engagement, his vessel served as protection for two of our destroyers during a towing operation which was subjected to resolute enemy air attacks. During this entire action, fought gallantly with every weapon at his command, Commander Sims was an inspiration to his officers and men, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.