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Gano, Roy Alexander, VADM.
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Contact Info
Home Town Pipestone, MN
Date of Passing Jan 20, 1971
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Wall/Plot Coordinates Section: 5 Grave: 40
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Vice Admiral ROY A. GANO, Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Department of the Navy, was twice awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while commanding USS Dyson, a destroyer assigned to Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three (nicknamed the Little Beavers Squadron). His first Navy Cross was for extraordinary heroism displayed in a night engagement with six enemy Japanese warships off Bougainville, British Solomon Islands, on November 24-25, 1943. He fought his ship with resolute courage and daring aggressiveness, frequently risking his own personal safety to press home vigorous, unrelenting attacks upon japanese surface forces, thus contributing materially to the crushing defeat imposed upon the enemy in the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others.
Vice Admiral Gano recieved his second Navy Cross (Gold Star in Lieu of) for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS Dyson, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on the night of November 1-2, 1943. With his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, he hurled the full fighting strength of his ship against the enemy and assisted his Task Force in sinking five hostile warships, in damaging four others and in completely routing the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the successful establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Island.
Other Comments:
Name of Award
Navy Cross (X2)
Year Awarded
1943
1943
Details behind Award:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Roy Alexander Gano (NSN: 0-60236/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DYSON (DD-509), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 - 2 November 1943. With his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, Captain Gano hurled the full fighting strength of his ship against the enemy and, by his inspiring leadership and skilled combat tactics, aided his Task Force in sinking five hostile warships, in damaging four others and in completely routing the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the successful establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Island. His determination, relentless fighting spirit and gallant devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander South Pacific Area: Serial 00162 (January 14, 1944) Action Date: November 1 - 2, 1943 Service: Navy Rank: Captain Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Dyson (DD-572)
Awarded for actions during the World War II
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 [then Commander] Roy Alexander Gano (NSN: 0-60236/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DYSON (DD-572), attached to Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE (DesRon 23), during a night engagement with the six enemy Japanese warships off Bougainville, British Solomon Islands, during the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay on 24 and 25 November 1943. Seeking out and fearlessly engaging a powerful enemy, Captain Gano fought his ship with resolute courage and daring aggressiveness, frequently risking his own personal safety to press home vigorous, unrelenting attacks upon Japanese surface forces. By his extreme valor and inspiring leadership, he evoked the indomitable fighting spirit which enabled the gallant officers and men under his command to contribute materially to the crushing defeat imposed upon the enemy in the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others. An expert seaman and tactician, Captain Gano retired the DYSON from the engagement without loss or damage and his high devotion to duty and splendid conduct throughout the action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander South Pacific: Serial 00193 (January 17, 1944) Action Date: November 24 - 25, 1943 Service: Navy Rank: Captain Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Dyson (DD-572)
Quote 1951-52 USS St Paul CA-73 Cruise Book
Date
Not Specified
Last Updated: Feb 3, 2016
Comments
"These men of the Third Division have given their lives in combat for you, for me and their country. They have died that our families and their families may live on peaceably in a free world. No Shipmate can make a greater sacrifice. Let us resolve that this sacrifice shall not be in vain." Captain Roy A. Gano
