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In the Park, on the path to the USS Drum are three memorial stones. The middle one is a Memorial Stone to Commander Gilmore.
Name: Howard Walter Gilmore
Rank and Branch: Commander, U.S. Navy
Born: 29 September 1902, Selma Alabama
Other Navy Awards: Navy Cross with one gold star, Purple Heart
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and valor and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS Growler SS-215 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 anti-submarine patrols, Cmdr. 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. Cmdr. Gilmore daringly maneuvered to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port side and bursting wide her plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat's heavy machineguns, Cmdr. 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 a fusillade of bullets and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living moments, Cmdr. 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.
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