Medal of Honor Citation: CDR Howard Walter Gilmore
Gilmore, Howard Walter, Commander, USN. Born 29 September 1902, Solma, Ala. Appointed from Louisiana. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross with one Gold Star.
Citation: "For extraordinary heroism, distingushed service, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Growler during the Fourth War Patrol in the Southwest Pacific from 10 January to 7 February 1943. Boldly striking at the enemy in spite of continous 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 17 knots and bursting her wide plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat's heavy machine guns, Commander Gilmore calmy 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."
