Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

"Take Her Down!"

Howard Walter Gilmore, Commander, U.S.N.

— Born 29 September 1902, Selma, Ala. —

"Take Her Down" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 26, 2013

1. "Take Her Down" Marker

Inscription. Medal of Honor Citation For distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of U. S. submarine GROWLER (SS-215) 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 anti-submarine 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 GROWLER. Commander Gilmore daringly maneuvered to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead ripping into her port side at 17 knots and bursting wide her plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat’s heavy machine guns, Commander Gilmore calmly gave the order, “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.” 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.

Other Navy awards conferred on Commander Gilmore for submarine exploits against the enemy before his loss on GROWLER: Navy Cross with one gold star, Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Medal with Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Submarine Combat insignia with three stars.

Erected by U.S. Submarine Veterans, World War II - Alabama Chapter.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels.

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In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists.

Location. 30° 40.876′ N, 88° 0.977′ W. Memorial is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. It can be reached from Battleship Parkway (U.S. 90). "Take Her Down" is one of three monuments on display in Battleship Park on the grass near the entrance to the Park's Aviation Pavilion - and the visitors' ramp to the Battleship Alabama National Historic Landmark. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile AL 36601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

and in the Mobile Bay area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one

"Take Her Down" Marker Panel 2 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 26, 2013

2. "Take Her Down" Marker Panel 2

of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Memorial to USS Herring (SS-233) (here, next to this marker); The Submarine Lookout Memorial (here, next to this marker); USN Patrol Boat (here, next to this marker); H.L. Hunley (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fallen Guardians Monument (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 26-Foot Motor Surfboat (about 400 feet away); 41-Foot Utility Boat (about 400 feet away); Sikorsky Helicopter "SeaGuard" (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

"Take Her Down!" Marker - middle marker - one of three submariner monuments image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 24, 2022

3. "Take Her Down!" Marker - middle marker - one of three submariner monuments

The three memorials have been relocated to a new location at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. They are now at the entrance to the USS Drum submarine.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,348 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on June 25, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on February 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.