World War II Honoree

Joseph Thomas Gillen

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Wayne, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Kathy Gillen

Relationship

Daughter

MAY 5, 1943 LETTER OF COMMENDATION STATING 'FOR OUTSTANDING CONDUCT AS OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE ARMED GUARD ON BOARD THE SS EL OCEANO, DURING THE VOYAGE FROM LONDON TO MURMANSK AND BACK TO NEW YORK. THE SHIP WAS SUBJECTED TO HEAVY ENEMY SUBMARINE AND AIR ATTACKS AND THE CREW UNDER YOUR COMMAND SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING DOWN ONE ENEMY PLANE AND SERIOUSLY DAMAGING ANOTHER. DESPITE HEAVY ATTACKS, THE SHIP WAS RETURNED TO PORT WITHOUT DAMAGE TO MATERIAL OR PERSONNEL' LETTER OF COMMENDATION FROM THE SECRETARY OF NAVY, AMERICAN THEATER RIBBON, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN RIBBON, WWII VICTORY MEDAL.