This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Gatch, Thomas Leigh, VADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Salem, OR
Last Address San Diego, CA
Date of Passing Dec 18, 1954
Location of Interment Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (VA) - San Diego, California
Wall/Plot Coordinates OSA 159
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
When a visitor to his home asked him why he didn't duck and save himself, Captain Gatch said " The Captain of a United States Battleship considered it beneath his dignity to flop for a damned Japanese bomb"
Vice Admiral Gatch was the Commanding Officer of the USS South Dakota (BB-57) during the Battle of Santa Cruz.
Other Comments:
Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. South Dakota (BB-57)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Thomas Leigh Gatch, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA (BB-57), during action of his Task Force against enemy Japanese carrier-based planes north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. While the Task force as being subjected to intensely heavy and sustained enemy aerial attack, Captain Gatch boldly closed the SOUTH DAKOTA to furnish determined and effective defense of the carrier. In this position, he fought the SOUTH DAKOTA valiantly until an enemy bomb wounded him so seriously he was forced to turn over his command. His courage, outstanding seamanship and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
General Orders Commander Southern Pacific Forces: Serial 0739 (May 2, 1943) & Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 318 (September 1943)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Thomas Leigh Gatch, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA (BB-57), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces off Savo Island on the night of 14 - 15 November 1942. Although partially disabled and suffering acute pain from a previous wound, Captain Gatch, with bold determination and courageous zeal, gallantly fought his ship through a concentrated bombardment of hostile fire. His calm coolness in the face of great danger and inspiring leadership contributed to the high combat efficiency which enabled the SOUTH DAKOTA to sink at least one Japanese cruiser and to assist in the destruction and damage of other enemy vessels. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
