Hull Number: DE-604
Launch Date: 05/26/1945
Commissioned Date: 08/07/1945
Call Sign: NTUX
Other Designations: APD-114
Class: RUDDEROW
RUDDEROW Class
Namesake: WALTER STANLEY GORKA
WALTER STANLEY GORKA
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, November 2015
Walter Stanley Gorka, born on 24 March 1922 at Windsor Locks, Conn., enlisted in the Naval Reserve at Hartford, Conn., on 15 May 1940 and eventually attained the rate of aviation ordnanceman, third class.
Attached to Escort Scouting Squadron (VGS) 27 which was embarked in the auxiliary carrier Suwannee (ACV-27) at the time of Operation “Torch,” the invasion of French North Africa, Gorka served as bombardier and gunner in the aircrew of a Grumman TBF-1 Avenger of that squadron.
On 8 November 1942, the first day of the landings, Suwannee’s air group bombed French ships and shore installations in the Casablanca area, including the immobile but formidable battleship Jean Bart and the coast defense and shore batteries at Table d’Aukasha. Two days later, Gorka went on an attack mission against a French submarine. The French antiaircraft fire proved deadly accurate, and Gorka’s plane was shot down.
For his performance of duty with VGS-27 during “Torch,” Gorka received the Air Medal posthumously.
Disposition:
Stricken June 1960. Walter S. Gorka was subsequently acquired by the government of Ecuador for conversion and use as a floating power plant.