"Take her down!" Today in history (Howard Gilmore and USS Growler)

[Bubblehead1980]

Some may know the story, some may not.

Eighty years ago today, February 7, 1942, a legendary submarine action between USS Growler SS-215 (Gato Class) and a Japanese convoy took place in the Rabaul-Truk Shipping lanes.


Growler was under the Commander of Lieutenant Commander Howard W. Gilmore and on her fourth war patrol. Growler was approaching a convoy for a night surface torpedo attack when a escort vessel turned to ram suddenly ,at close range, leaving Growler no room to escape.. Gilmore, not wanting to be rammed, ordered left full rudder, and flank speed, ramming the enemy vessel amidships at 17 knots. This damage Growler's bow, bending it 18 feet port (see pic below) and crippled the enemy vessel. However, enemy machine gunners aboard the enemy vessel opened fire at point blank rank range, raking the bridge of Growler. Gilmore ordered bridge cleared and to dive. As Captain, he was last to leave the bridge and was wounded to extent he could make it down the hatch as the sub was beginning to submerge. In a act that would see him award the Medal of Honor, LCDR Gilmore uttered the
words "TAKE HER DOWN!", sacrificing himself, but allowing his boat submerged without him and escape. Search efforts were made later when Growler surfaced, but no trace of Gilmore was ever found.
Ensign William W. Williams and Fireman Third Class Wilbert F. Kelley
also lost their lives in this action.


Grower was severely damaged in the action, but under control, and returned to Brisbane under command of her Executive Officer Arnold F. Schade. Growler docked 17 February for extensive repairs and Following the refit, the submarine was nicknamed the Kangaroo Express, as the refabricated bow had two nickel kangaroos as decorations.

Sadly, USS Growler herself would be lost in action in on 8 November 1944 off the Philippines while operating as part of "Wolfpack" with two other submarines. Exact cause is unknown to this day, but believed to be from enemy depth charges or being struck by one of her own torpedoes that went into a circular run after firing.

Gilmore's actions, including the ramming of the enemy vessel, inspired a scene and story element of the WW II submarine movie "Operation Pacific" starring John Wayne.


Below is a photo of the bow taken upon return from patrol.