US Submarine Growler rams Japanese ship?

"Take her down!" Commander H.W. Gilmore, wounded on Growler's (SS-215) bridge, makes heroic sacrifice by ordering an immeadiate dive. The submarine, badly damaged by collision by the 900 ton Japanese cargo ship Hayasaki bearing down on the upper left side of the drawing, was saved. In giving up his life for his ship, Commander Gilmore followed the highest traditions of naval service.

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7 Feb 1943
USS Growler is damaged by accidental ramming of the Japanese storeship Hayasaki and gunfire from the same vessel about 70 nautical miles northwest of Rabaul in position 03º34'S, 151º09'E. During this action, Growler's commanding officer, Cdr Howard Walter Gilmore, is mortally wounded and 2 others killed and 2 wounded. Rather than further hazard his ship, he orders Growler taken down. For his gallantry, Gilmore is awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously.

Citation: For distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Growler 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 antisubmarine patrols, Comdr. 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 the Growler. Comdr. 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, Comdr. 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, Comdr. 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.

The XO (Lt.Cdr. Arnold Frederick Schade) takes over command and Growler is forced to terminate her patrol. She entered Brisbane on 17 February for repairs. (see map)

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