Donald Arthur Gary was born in Findlay, Ohio, on 23 July 1901. He enlisted in the Navy in December 1919 and served continuously in the enlisted ranks until November 1943, when he received a commission as a Lieutenant (Junior Grade). In 1943 and 1944, Lt(JG) Gary was assigned to the Third Naval District and as an inspector of machinery at the Babcock and Wilcox Company. In December 1944, he was sent to the aircraft carrier Franklin as an engineering officer. When that ship was severely damaged by Japanese air attack on 19 March 1945, Lt(JG) Gary distinguished himself as he helped hundreds of trapped men to escape from below decks, organized and led fire-fighting parties and directed the restoration of power in one boiler room. For his heroism on that occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Subsequently promoted to the ranks of Lieutenant and Lieutenant Commander, Gary remained with Franklin until she was decommissioned in February 1947. He was then assigned to the Naval Disciplinary Barracks at Terminal Island, California, where he served until relieved of active duty pending retirement, which took place in June 1950. On the basis of his combat awards, he was advanced to the rank of Commander upon retirement. Commander Donald A. Gary died in 1977.
The guided missile frigate USS Gary (FFG-51), 1984-____, is named in honor of Donald A. Gary.
This page features our only views of Commander Donald A. Gary, USN.
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Photo #: 80-G-49152 Lieutenant Donald Arthur Gary, USN Identification photograph, taken circa 1945. This photo was received by the Naval Photographic Center on 18 December 1950. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. Online Image: 81KB; 500 x 765 pixels Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system. |
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Photo #: NH 94631 Lieutenant Donald Arthur Gary, USN Photograph taken circa 1945, after he was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism while serving on board USS Franklin (CV-13) during operations off Japan on 19 March 1945. Halftone reproduction, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1948, The Navy", page 191. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 116KB; 610 x 765 pixels |
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Photo #: 80-G-701805 Lieutenant Donald Arthur Gary, USN Is congratulated by President Harry S. Truman, after he was presented with the Medal of Honor in ceremonies at the White House, Washington, D.C. on 23 January 1946. Lt. Gary was awarded the medal for heroism on board USS Franklin (CV-13) on 19 March 1945. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. Online Image: 71KB; 740 x 610 pixels Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system. |
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Medal of Honor citation of Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Donald A. Gary (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 191): |
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Page made 14 January 2001