Capt. L. E. Gehres

 USS Franklin

"Abandon her? Hell no! She’s still afloat!"

HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

OF NEW YORK

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, September 26, 2002

 

  • Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a true American hero, Rear Admiral Leslie Gehres. A native of Newark in Wayne County, NY, Admiral Gehres will be honored by his community on Saturday, September 28, 2002, with the dedication of a monument and memorial exhibit at Newark High School.

 

  • Admiral Gehres began his long and illustrious naval career in 1914, when he enlisted in the New York Naval Militia. When his unit was mobilized on April 6, 1917, he was appointed to the rank of Ensign, and transferred to the regular navy, following completion of course work at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

 

  • Admiral Gehres became a Naval Aviator in 1927, and in 1929, trained and led ``The Nine High Hats,'' a prestigious nine-plane acrobatic formation. After the outbreak of World War II, Admiral Gehres took command of Patrol Wing 4, and took part in the Aleutians campaigns. He was responsible for driving the Japanese out of the Aleutian Islands, and for his services, earned the Army's Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit. He was also promoted to the rank of Commodore for his leadership in that campaign, a rank that had not been given to any naval officer since Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in the War of 1812.

 

  • Following his detachment from Fleet Wing 4, Admiral Gehres assumed command of the USS Franklin in the Pacific Fleet. Admiral Gehres courageously and successfully returned that carrier to the Naval Yard in New York, after being heavily damaged by Japanese forces. ``For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS Franklin,'' read his Navy citation, Admiral Gehres was awarded the Navy Cross.

 

  • Mr. Speaker, Rear Admiral Leslie Edward Gehres passed away in 1975, but he will now be forever remembered for his heroism and selfless service to his nation, and I ask that this Congress join me in saluting his proud career, and in thanking the community of Newark, NY, for honoring his leadership and valor.