Roy Alexander Gano
Encyclopedia
Roy Alexander "Red" Gano (December 3, 1902 – January 20, 1971) was an Admiral
of the United States Navy
who distinguished himself in World War II
, Korean War
, and the Cold War
, and served as Commander Military Sea Transportation Service (now Military Sealift Command) and as Executive Director for Ocean Transportation from 1961 to 1964.
, Minnesota
, Gano attended the United States Naval Academy
and graduated in 1926. He returned to the Academy as a postgraduate student in 1934.
He married Harriet Pauline Howard, July 18, 1929. Admiral and Mrs. Gano had 2 children, Myrtle Eugenia "Jeanne" Gano Steele born May 29, 1940 and deceased September 19, 2006, and James Alexander Gano born April 1, 1946 and deceased November 11, 2005.
Gano spent much of his early career at sea. He served first in the battleship USS Tennessee (BB-43)
, 1926–29, then was assigned to several destroyers: USS John D. Edwards (DD-216)
, 1929–30; USS Edsall (DD-219)
, 1930–31; USS MacLeish (DD-220), 1931–32; and as Engineer on board USS Dewey (DD-349)
, 1934-37.
From 1937-1939, he served as Special Engineer, United States Navy Research Lab, Bellevue
, Washington. In 1941, he was assigned as Material Officer and Commander, Destroyer Battle Force.
, 1942–44, in Destroyer Squadron 23. The latter squadron, known as the "Little Beavers", covered the initial landings in Bougainville in November 1943, and fought in 22 separate engagements during the next four months. During this time, the Little Beavers were credited with destroying one Japanese cruiser, nine destroyers, one submarine, several smaller ships, and approximately 30 aircraft. Destroyer Squadron 23 earned a Presidential Unit Citation, which said in part:
For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Solomon Islands Campaign, from 1 November 1943 to February 23, 1944... Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three operated in daring defiance of repeated attacks by hostile air groups, closing the enemy's strongly fortified shores to carry out sustained bombardments against Japanese coastal defenses and render effective cover and fire support for the major invasion operations in this area ... The brilliant and heroic record achieved by Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three is a distinctive tribute to the valiant fighting spirit of the individual units in this indomitable combat group of each skilled and courageous ship's company...
For the remainder of the war, 1944–1946, he served as Assistant Director, United States Navy Communications for Administration, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
From 1946-1948, Gano served as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 5, also Destroyer Division 51, Japan-Korea area, 1946-48. He then returned to shore duty as Director of Recruiting, Bureau of Naval Personnel, 1948–50; then as Director, Enlisted Personnel Division, 1950-51.
, deployed to Korea, a command he held until 1952. He was then assigned as Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander, Service Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 1952–54; Commander, Service Squadron 3, in the evacuation of refugees from Northern Indochina, 1954;
In 1954, Gano was promoted to Vice Admiral, and was assigned as Assistant Chief for Logistics, holding that position until 1955. He then served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Far East and U.N. Commands, 1955–56; Deputy Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, 1956–58; Commander, Amphibious Group 2, 1958–59; and Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, 1959-64.
Admiral Gano retired from active duty in 1964 and then served as Vice President of Moore-McCormack Lines, Washington, D.C., 1964-71. He also served as President and Chairman of the Board of United Seamen's Service from 1961 to 1971. In 1969 Admiral Gano was elected Chairman of the Board of Hamilton Bank & Trust Company, based in Bailey's Crossroads,VA, where he was a Director until his death.
with gold star, the Navy Cross
with gold star, Legion of Merit
with gold star, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
.
Navy Distinguished Service Medal:
The President of the United States of America, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Roy Alexander Gano, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during the period 1 June 1961 to 30 June 1964, as Executive Director for Ocean Transportation and as Commander Military Sea Transportation Service. Responsible for directing the complex military logistical sea lift operations of the Department of Defense, Vice Admiral Gano succeeded in improving the responsiveness of the military sea lift in emergencies; enhanced the understanding of the complementary roles of military and merchant shipping to provide greater readiness to meet emergency demands; and made available and effectively utilized ocean shipping to meet military requirements promptly and efficiently during the Berlin build-up, the Cuban crisis and the critical periods in Southeast Asia. By his brilliant leadership, professional competence, and steadfast devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Gano rendered valuable and distinguished service and contributed greatly to the security of the United States.
Navy Cross:
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 Roy Alexander Gano, 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.
Navy Cross:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Roy Alexander Gano, 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.
Legion of Merit with Combat V:
Awarded for Actions during World War II: Captain Roy Alexander Gano, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
Legion of Merit:
Awarded for Actions during the Cold War: Vice Admiral Roy Alexander Gano, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
The Admiral died on January 20, 1971 and was buried with full military honors in Section 5 of Arlington National Cemetery
. His wife, Harriet Howard Gano (February 8, 1902-January 31, 1991) is buried with him.
This article contains information from the Naval Historical Center
and is in the public domain
.
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
of the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
who distinguished himself in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, and the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
, and served as Commander Military Sea Transportation Service (now Military Sealift Command) and as Executive Director for Ocean Transportation from 1961 to 1964.
Early life and career, through 1941
A native of PipestonePipestone, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,280 people, 1,900 households, and 1,138 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,090.8 people per square mile . There were 2,097 housing units at an average density of 534.4 per square mile...
, Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
, Gano attended the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
and graduated in 1926. He returned to the Academy as a postgraduate student in 1934.
He married Harriet Pauline Howard, July 18, 1929. Admiral and Mrs. Gano had 2 children, Myrtle Eugenia "Jeanne" Gano Steele born May 29, 1940 and deceased September 19, 2006, and James Alexander Gano born April 1, 1946 and deceased November 11, 2005.
Gano spent much of his early career at sea. He served first in the battleship USS Tennessee (BB-43)
USS Tennessee (BB-43)
USS Tennessee , the lead ship of her class of battleship, was the third ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the 16th US state. During World War II in the Pacific Theater, she was damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 but was repaired and modernized...
, 1926–29, then was assigned to several destroyers: USS John D. Edwards (DD-216)
USS John D. Edwards (DD-216)
USS John D. Edwards was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for Lieutenant John D. Edwards....
, 1929–30; USS Edsall (DD-219)
USS Edsall (DD-219)
USS Edsall , named for Seaman Norman Eckley Edsall , was a Clemson-class destroyer of the United States Navy....
, 1930–31; USS MacLeish (DD-220), 1931–32; and as Engineer on board USS Dewey (DD-349)
USS Dewey (DD-349)
The first USS Dewey was a Farragut-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for Admiral George Dewey.-History:...
, 1934-37.
From 1937-1939, he served as Special Engineer, United States Navy Research Lab, Bellevue
Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue is a city in the Eastside region of King County, Washington, United States, across Lake Washington from Seattle. Long known as a suburb or satellite city of Seattle, it is now categorized as an edge city or a boomburb. The population was 122,363 at the 2010 census.Downtown Bellevue is...
, Washington. In 1941, he was assigned as Material Officer and Commander, Destroyer Battle Force.
World War II and postwar period
Gano spent the first part of the war in sea-going commands. He served as Material Officer and Commander, Task Force 8, Alaska, 1941–42; and Commander of the destroyer USS Dyson (DD-572)USS Dyson (DD-572)
USS Dyson was a of the United States Navy. She was named for Rear Admiral Charles W. Dyson .Dyson was launched 15 April 1942 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Orange, Tex., sponsored by Mrs...
, 1942–44, in Destroyer Squadron 23. The latter squadron, known as the "Little Beavers", covered the initial landings in Bougainville in November 1943, and fought in 22 separate engagements during the next four months. During this time, the Little Beavers were credited with destroying one Japanese cruiser, nine destroyers, one submarine, several smaller ships, and approximately 30 aircraft. Destroyer Squadron 23 earned a Presidential Unit Citation, which said in part:
For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Solomon Islands Campaign, from 1 November 1943 to February 23, 1944... Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three operated in daring defiance of repeated attacks by hostile air groups, closing the enemy's strongly fortified shores to carry out sustained bombardments against Japanese coastal defenses and render effective cover and fire support for the major invasion operations in this area ... The brilliant and heroic record achieved by Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three is a distinctive tribute to the valiant fighting spirit of the individual units in this indomitable combat group of each skilled and courageous ship's company...
For the remainder of the war, 1944–1946, he served as Assistant Director, United States Navy Communications for Administration, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
From 1946-1948, Gano served as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 5, also Destroyer Division 51, Japan-Korea area, 1946-48. He then returned to shore duty as Director of Recruiting, Bureau of Naval Personnel, 1948–50; then as Director, Enlisted Personnel Division, 1950-51.
Korean War through retirement
He returned to sea in 1951 as Commander of the cruiser USS Saint Paul (CA-73)USS Saint Paul (CA-73)
USS Saint Paul , a Baltimore-class cruiser, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for St. Paul, Minnesota....
, deployed to Korea, a command he held until 1952. He was then assigned as Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander, Service Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 1952–54; Commander, Service Squadron 3, in the evacuation of refugees from Northern Indochina, 1954;
Awards and honors
During his career, Admiral Gano was awarded the Bronze StarBronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with gold star, the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
with gold star, Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with gold star, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
.
Navy Distinguished Service Medal:
The President of the United States of America, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Roy Alexander Gano, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during the period 1 June 1961 to 30 June 1964, as Executive Director for Ocean Transportation and as Commander Military Sea Transportation Service. Responsible for directing the complex military logistical sea lift operations of the Department of Defense, Vice Admiral Gano succeeded in improving the responsiveness of the military sea lift in emergencies; enhanced the understanding of the complementary roles of military and merchant shipping to provide greater readiness to meet emergency demands; and made available and effectively utilized ocean shipping to meet military requirements promptly and efficiently during the Berlin build-up, the Cuban crisis and the critical periods in Southeast Asia. By his brilliant leadership, professional competence, and steadfast devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Gano rendered valuable and distinguished service and contributed greatly to the security of the United States.
Navy Cross:
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 Roy Alexander Gano, 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.
Navy Cross:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Roy Alexander Gano, 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.
Legion of Merit with Combat V:
Awarded for Actions during World War II: Captain Roy Alexander Gano, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
Legion of Merit:
Awarded for Actions during the Cold War: Vice Admiral Roy Alexander Gano, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
Navy CrossNavy CrossThe Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
with Gold Star
Navy Distinguished Service MedalDistinguished Service Medal (United States)The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with Gold Star
Bronze StarBronze Star MedalThe Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Gold Star
The Admiral died on January 20, 1971 and was buried with full military honors in Section 5 of Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
. His wife, Harriet Howard Gano (February 8, 1902-January 31, 1991) is buried with him.
This article contains information from the Naval Historical Center
Naval Historical Center
The Naval History & Heritage Command is the official history program of the United States Navy and is located at the historic Washington Navy Yard in the District of Columbia.-Mission :...
and is in the public domain
Public domain
Works are in the public domain if the intellectual property rights have expired, if the intellectual property rights are forfeited, or if they are not covered by intellectual property rights at all...
.