Take Her Down

In the early part of WWII, the war in the Pacific was in part a holding action, as the arsenal of Democracy mobilized and ramped up production of war fighting equipment including submarines.

But in the early days, we fought with the Military equipment we had, which included defective torpedoes such as the Mark 14, and ineffective torpedo bombers such as the Devastator and Avenger. But our fighting personnel used what they had to the best of their ability.

The USS Growler's construction was completed in early 1942 and by March was on patrol with is crew and Commander. In early February, 1943, the Growler was on its fourth patrol. During an encounter with an enemy ship, the Growler inadvertently collided with the Japanese ship at high speed, doing considerable damage to the submarine.

Almost immediately the Japanese ship starting firing its machine guns at the sub's bridge and bridge crew, The Commander ordered the bridge to be cleared and several on deck managed to get to the hatch and below deck.
Others, including the Commander were shot up. The last command given by the wounded Commander, as he hollered through the open hatch was "take her down." Here is his MOH citation:

For distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the USS 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, CDR 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. CDR 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 machine-guns, CDR 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, CDR 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.​