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TAPS
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night. |
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Born: September 29, 1902
at Selma, AL
Entered Service in the US
Navy from Louisiana
Earned
The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism January 10
- February 07, 1943 at Southwest, Pacific Ocean
Died: February
07, 1943 at the age of 40
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Commander
Gilmore was commanding officer of the U.S.S. Growler during her
Fourth War Patrol in the Southwest Pacific. 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
February 7, 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.
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