USS Gilmer (PC-565)

USS Gilmer (PC-565) was a PC-461 class subchaser in the United States Navy during World War II.

She was laid down by Brown Shipbuilding Company in Houston, Texas on August 14 1941 and launched on February 27 1942, sponsored by Miss Jacqueline B. Perry. USS PC-565 was commissioned on May 25 1942 with Lt. Walter T. Flynn in command.

World War II Operations

After shakedown off Florida, PC-565 engaged in anti-submarine warfare training, then performed convoy escort and patrol duty in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.

On June 2 while escorting a southbound convoy from New York to Cuba, soundman Cisco Reeh made underwater sound contact and PC-565 immediately attacked. After PC-565 dropped a depth charge barrage the submarine U-521 surfaced to be met with 20mm. gunfire. Several hits were scored and the enemy U-boat went under only to be met with another depth charge barrage. Large oil slicks and debris resulted, proving the destruction of the German U-boat. The only survivor of the 52 men aboard, Captain Klaus Bargsten, was rescued by PC-565 and his testimony substantiated PC-565's victory.

Departing New York on 25 March 1944, PC-565 sailed to England where she joined the amphibious forces in preparation for the D-Day landings. On 4 June she sailed from England arriving off the Normandy beaches 2 days later. There she performed ASW patrols, antiaircraft defense, and shuttle control duties.

Throughout the rest of the war, PC-565 remained in Europe on escort and patrol missions in the North Sea-English Channel area. Departing Bremerhaven 4 October 1945, the submarine chaser steamed for the United States, arriving Norfolk on the 22nd. Two months later she arrived at Green Cove Springs, Fla. and was decommissioned on 26 April 1946, joining the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. PC-565 was renamed Gilmer on 15 February 1956. She was stricken from the Navy List 1 July 1960, and sold to Venezuela as Alcatras.

PC-565 received two battle stars during World War II service.

ource

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/g5/gilmer-ii.htm

References

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/010565.htm Navsource article on PC-565]