Howard Walter Gilmore

“Take her down!” Three words spoken in the darkness of the Pacific became one of the most unforgettable commands in United States Navy history. On 7 February 1943, Commander Howard Walter Gilmore made a decision that would save his submarine and its surviving crew but cost him his own life. His extraordinary sacrifice aboard USS Growler (SS-215) earned him the Medal of Honor and secured his place among the most courageous American submarine commanders of World War II.

Born on 29 September 1902 in Selma, Alabama, Howard Walter Gilmore enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1920 before earning an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Graduating in 1926, he developed into a skilled submarine officer whose leadership would be tested in the dangerous waters of the Pacific. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Gilmore was assigned command of the newly constructed USS Growler, a Gato-class submarine that would become one of the Navy's formidable undersea fighting vessels.

Gilmore quickly demonstrated exceptional courage and tactical brilliance. During Growler's first war patrol, from 29 June to 17 July 1942, he boldly attacked three Japanese destroyers near Kiska in the Aleutian Islands, sinking one and damaging the others while escaping enemy counterattacks. His first Navy Cross citation recognized his extraordinary heroism, expert maneuvering, determination, and outstanding seamanship in enemy-controlled waters. During the second patrol, from 5 August to September 1942, Gilmore led successful attacks against Japanese shipping in the East China Sea. His second Navy Cross citation credited his aggressive tactics, effective torpedo attacks, and skill in bringing his submarine and crew home safely. This second decoration was represented by a gold star on his Navy Cross ribbon.

But Gilmore's greatest act of heroism was still to come.

During Growler's fourth war patrol, which began on 1 January 1943, Gilmore continued attacking Japanese shipping despite persistent enemy aircraft, antisubmarine patrols, and depth charges. On the night of 7 February, while operating in the southwest Pacific, Growler encountered the Japanese armed stores ship Hayasaki. As the enemy attempted to ram the submarine, Gilmore maneuvered desperately, and Growler struck the opposing vessel. The collision severely damaged the submarine's bow. Japanese machine-gun fire then swept across the bridge, killing two sailors and critically wounding Gilmore.

Realizing that Growler could not remain on the surface without risking destruction, Gilmore ordered his men below. Gravely wounded and unable to reach the hatch in time, he faced an agonizing choice. He could delay the dive and endanger everyone aboard, or order the submarine to submerge without him. His final command was unmistakable: “Take her down!”

Lieutenant Commander Arnold Schade obeyed. Growler disappeared beneath the waves, leaving its captain behind. Despite serious damage, the submarine eventually returned safely to Brisbane, Australia. Gilmore was never recovered.

His posthumous Medal of Honor citation recognized his distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty, particularly his determination to protect his crew while facing certain death. Gilmore also received the Purple Heart for his fatal combat wounds. His service aboard Growler qualified him for the Navy Unit Commendation, while his wartime and prewar service was recognized through the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

Howard Walter Gilmore became the first American submariner of World War II to receive the Medal of Honor. His name is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, and the submarine tender USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16) was named in his honor.

His legacy is not measured only by enemy ships sunk or decorations earned. It lives in the extraordinary courage of a commander who placed the lives of his sailors above his own. In the final seconds of his life, Howard W. Gilmore demonstrated the ultimate meaning of naval leadership, duty, and sacrifice.