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. —
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 26, 2013
1. "Take Her Down" Marker
Inscription.
"Take Her Down!". Howard Walter Gilmore, Commander, U.S.N..
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.
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
Click or scan to see this page online
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.
Location. 30° 40.876′ N, 88° 0.977′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. Memorial 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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile AL 36601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
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 1,032 times since then and 44 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.
