World War II Honoree

Leon Gossman

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Brownstown, Indiana

Honored By

James Gossman

Relationship

Son

WENT INTO THE NAVY ON MARCH 6, 1943 AND HAD HIS TRAINING AT GREAT LAKES ILLINOIS NAVAL TRAINING STATION, NORTH OF CHICAGO. HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE USS BALDWIN DD-624 AND WAS IN THE D-DAY INVASION OF NORMANDY AND SOUTHERN FRANCE. HE MADE 3 TRANS-ATLANTIC CONVOY ESCORT CROSSINGS TO CASABLANCA, FRENCH MOROCCO. HIS SHIP ESCORTED THE CRUISER QUINCY CA-71 CARRYING PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT TO THE YALTA CONFERENCE. THE BALDWIN CARRIED OUT PATROL AND PLANE GUARD DUTIES OFF THE EAST COAST, THEN DEPARTED FOR THE PACIFIC. THE SHIP ACTED AS FLAGSHIP FOR MINE-SWEEPING OPERATIONS OFF THE KOREA AND CHINA COAST. THE BALDWIN WAS PLACED OUT OF COMMISSION JUNE 20, 1946.