World War II Honoree

Philip 'Phil' Gamache

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

New York, New York

Honored By

Gail & Gary

Relationship

Daughter & Son

LIEUTENANT, FIGHTER PILOT, PACIFIC THEATER. WAS HONORED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE THE NEW YORK TIMES ON MAY 28, 1943. HE WAS SHOWN IN A PHOTO BEING THANKED BY THE ARMY FLYERS FOR HAVING SPOTTED THEM ON THEIR RUBBER RAFT. HE WAS FLYING A USS MARBLEHEAD OBSERVATION PLANE AND DIRECTED THE CRUISER TO THE LOST MEN. THE ARMY FLYERS LOST 1 ENGINE OF A B-25 BOMBER, SPENT 4 NIGHTS AND 5 DAYS ON A RUBBER LIFE RAFT. FROM APRIL 23 TO MAY 4, 1945 AS PILOT OF A FIGHTER PLANE IN SQUADRON 2, ATTACHED TO THE USS FANSHAW BAY, ACTION AGAINST ENEMY JAPANESE FORCES IN THE HANSEI SHOTO AREA. COMPLETING HIS 20TH MISSION DURING THIS PERIOD HE CONTRIBUTED MATERIALLY TO THE SUCCESS OF HIS SQUADRON AND TO THE INFLICTION OF DAMAGE ON ENEMY INSTALLATIONS. HIS COURAGE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY IN THE FACE OF ENEMY ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE WERE IN KEEPING OF THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE U.S. NAVAL SERVICE. AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, AIR MEDAL WITH SILVER STAR, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH SILVER STAR, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE DISTINGUISHED MARKSMAN BADGE. RETIRED COMMANDER.