Back to home page of USS Gatling DD-671 Reunion Association

In Memory of Our Fallen Crew at Gitmo, Cuba

On October 1, 1951, near Guantanamo (aka Gitmo), Cuba, a gunfire accident occurred on the USS Gatling. Six men were killed and 15 injured. The ship was conducting firing exercises when a 5-inch anti-aircraft gun went off accidentally. The shell hit the barrel of another gun mount and a spray of fragments caused the deaths and injuries.
From the log book:
OCT 1951

0959 Underway to operating area. Took station with WOOD DD-715 for scheduled exercises.

1355 Commenced firing anti-aircraft practice.

1409 Completed first AA practice, expended 20 rounds 5"/38.

1505 Commenced second AA practice.

1506 Ceased firing AA practice having expended 7 rounds 5"/38, 24 rounds of 40mm and 32 rounds of 20mm ammunition. Casualty at Mounts 42 and 52, apparently resulting from Mount 51 firing into the barrel of Mount 52.

1508 Commenced steaming at maximum available speed enroute Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

1546 LT J.I. THORN (MC) embarked via helicopter.

1630 Moored to Pier Baker.

1635 Removed all dead and injured to U.S. Naval Hospital with records.

Barton, M. L. SN USN Dead

La Point, G. W. DK3 USNR Dead

Towery, J. B. SA USN Dead

Wright, T. R. BMG3 USNR Critical--Succumbed

Wright, G. E. SA USN Critical--Succumbed

Gesauldi, A. MMFA USN Critical--Succumbed