THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

    The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the

UNITED STATES SHIP GILMER

for participation in the following operations

The Lae-Finschhafen Occupation — September 4 to 30, 1943;
The Cape Gloucester Landings — December 26 to 29, 1943;
The Admiralty Island Landings — March 4 to 12, 1944;
The Hollandia Operation — April 21 to May 2, 1944;
The Marianas Operation — June 11 to August 11, 1944;
The Capture of Iwo Jima — February 16 to 24, 1945;
The Okinawa Operation — March 24 to April 9, 1945;

as set forth in the following

CITATION:

   “For exceptionally meritorious service against enemy Japanese aircraft, submarines, shore batteries, surface forces and mines. Operating in actual contact with the enemy, the U.S.S. GILMER performed her many varied tasks as a high speed transport and as the underwater demolition flotilla flagship in a superlative manner. The U.S.S. GILMER particularly distinguished herself by her gallantry in action against enemy surface forces and shore batteries in the Marianas Operation, in which she conducted a hazardous beach reconnaissance; by her conduct of beach reconnaissance and the stirring rescue and saving of the U.S.S. BLESSMAN when that ship loaded with demolitions was burning fiercely at Iwo Jima; by her supervision of beach preparation, he gallant conduct while on screening duty; by her rescue work on the merchant ship LOGAN VICTORY, and her heroic conduct when hit by a Kamikaze plane in the Okinawa Operation. Her courageous determination and effort were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. GILMER during one or more of the designated periods are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.

John L. Sullivan
Secretary of the Navy