World War II Honoree

Antonio Gagliardi

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Astoria, New York

Honored By

Janine M. Giroux

Relationship

Friend

Served July 3, 1943 to June 2, 1946. U.S. Navy Gunnery Fire Controlman on the Battleship U.S.S. Arkansas (BB-33) under Commander Phillip MaCaulley Boltz. Destroyer U.S.S. Winslow (DD-359/AG-127)First Class Fire Controlman when the U.S.S. Cavalla (AGSS-244) was re-commissioned in 1951; formed the Submarine Squadron 10 in New London, Conn. Recruit training in Sampson,NY. Attended Fire Control School (Newport, RI) for 17 weeks, 54 hours week, classroom work; ranked #2 out of a class of 63; he had to have excellent vision; his vision was 20:10. Had a Commercial Radio Operator License. Went to Camp Shoemaker, CA (Naval Receiving Station) and was transferred individually to the U.S.S. Arkansas. Assembled and did planning at the U.S. Naval Base at the Ulithi Atoll in the western Caroline Islands (Central Pacific Ocean). He was a telephone talker in contact with the Combat Information Center; he received directions of where the Marines wanted the U.S.S. Arkansas to fire. The Arkansas helped the Marine forces on both Iwo Jima and Okinawa; traveled to Guam, Leyte Gulf. Using 10 X 50 spotting binoculars, he witnessed the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima on Mount Suribachi. At the conclusion of this battle, we moved on to the Battle for Okinawa. Naval Reserves October 23, 1950 to March 19, 1952. Awards: Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 stars, Liberation of the Philippines Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Freedom Medal 1941-1945, American Theater Medal or American Campaign Medal.