World War II Honoree

Albert W. Gonzales

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Santa Rosa, California

Honored By

Friends of American Heroes

He proudly served his country when he enlisted on September 3, 1943 in the U.S. Navy at 17 years old during WWII. He was assigned to the heavy cruiser USS Louisville (CA-28) and served in 8 campaigns including the Marshall Islands (Palau, Hollandia, New Guinea, Satawan and Pohnpei) and the Marianna’s (Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Peleliu the Palau group). From September 12-24, 1944 he participated in the bombardment and occupation of Peleliu. From October 18-27, 1944 he participated in the Leyte Gulf bombardment and assault on Leyte Island. On October 25th, 1944 he was involved in the Battle of Surigo Straits as part of the 7th Fleet. On January 5th and 6th, 1945 while heading for the Lingayen Gulf Campaign, his ship came under attack by Japanese Kamikaze planes. On the first day a suicide plane impacted the #2 gun turret and on the second day a Kamikaze scored a direct hit on the bridge killing 52 including the Rear Admiral. While under fire he rescued crew members who were below decks. In April of 1945 his ship was ordered back to port at Mare Island for major repairs. He received numerous awards and was honorably discharged on December 30, 1945. He was AWARDED WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AMERICAN THEATER MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER MEDAL, and PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON.