World War II Honoree

Gerald Robert Gabel

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Gail Roberta Gabel Sweet

Relationship

Daughter

ENLISTED IN THE NAVY APRIL 25, 1944 AT THE AGE OF 17. ATTENDED BOOT CAMP AT NAVAL TRAINING CENTER, GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS FROM MAY 6, 1944 TO JUNE 15, 1944 BEFORE REPORTING TO AMPHIBIOUS TRAINING BASE, LITTLE CREEK, VIRGINIA (JUNE 15, 1944 TO AUGUST 15, 1944) FOR QUARTERMASTER SCHOOL. SERVED ABOARD USS LSM 77 FROM AUGUST 15, 1944 TO DECEMBER 15, 1945 DURING THE BATTLE OF OKINAWA AND OCCUPATION OF NORTH CHINA. IN ADDITION TO SERVING AS A NAVIGATOR, HE WAS A 'TALKER' FOR THE TWIN FORTY GUNS. LSM 77 SHOT DOWN THREE JAPANESE WAR PLANES THAT WERE ATTACKING U.S. SHIPS. HE TRANSFERRED TO USS LCI(M) 355 AT GUAM (DECEMBER 23, 1945 TO JUNE 20, 1946) FOR AIR-SEA RESCUE DUTY IN THE MARIANA AND TRUK ISLANDS. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AT GREAT LAKES NAVAL BASE JUNE 28, 1946. MEDALS EARNED INCLUDE THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL, CHINA SERVICE MEDAL AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL.