World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Duncan R. Gardner
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
San Mateo, California
Honored By
Mrs. Marian Gardner
SERVED AS ENGINEERING OFFICER ABOARD THE USS LOUISVILLE, A FLAG SHIP BETWEEN TWO FLEETS (NO SHORE LEAVE OF ANY KIND FOR 18 MONTHS). THE LOUISVILLE WENT INTO LINGAYEN GULF IN THE PHILIPPINES AND TOOK A KAMIKAZE HIT ON THE BRIDGE. LOST THE CAPTAIN AND SOME OTHER PERSONNEL. ORDERED OUT OF LINE BUT STAYED IN AND CONTROLLED THEIR DAMAGE. WERE ONE OF THE BUNCH OF SHIPS BOMBARDING OKINAWA AND BEFORE HIS DISCHARGE MADE TWO RUNS RETURNING VETERANS FROM THE FAR EAST TO THE WEST COAST OF THE U.S. WAS A WEEK-END WARRIOR; WITH AGE, FACED RETIREMENT.