Military Veterans

Richard L. Gabel

Date of Birth

8 August 1926

Brick Location

Liberty Side

Panel Number

17A

Biography

Boatswain Richard Gabel served in the U.S. Navy during World War II—1943 - 1946. His ship was the USS Robinson DD562, "proud destroyer of the U.S. Navy."  On board the Robinson, Gabel  participated in and/or supported 22 invasions including Saipan, Peleliu, Angaur Island, and the Philippine Islands.  
The Robinson's company earned 10 battle stars—8 in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, and 2 in the Philippine Campaign.  They also earned the Navy Cross for the Captain of the ship, Commander E. B. Grantham, Jr.  A young officer on the ship later became Chief of Naval Operations—Admiral Elmo Russel Zumwalt, Jr.
Two combat stories he remembers:
The Battle of Peleliu Island.  "The Robinson's work was to protect the underwater demolition team (Frogmen).  We poured 40 mm gunfire onto beach at Peleliu Island to cover the demolition squad clearing away obstacles for the landing scheduled to take place the next day.  Japs were in the top of the palm trees.  When I found one, I pointed the 40 mm gun at the tree's base, shooting it down.
The Battle of Surigao Strait.  "There were three Japanese task groups.  We engaged Admiral Shoji Nishimura's Southern force consisting of battleships Yamagumo and Shigura in Surigao Strait on the morning of 25 October 1944.  It was around 0400.  Nishimura rushed into a trap which was the work of Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf.  The U.S. Task Force consisted of 6 battleships, all of which had been damaged at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.  All had been refitted and put back into service: Pennsylvania, California, Tennessee, Mississippi, Maryland, and West Virginia.  Cruisers:  H.M.A.S. Shropshire, USS Boise, Phoenix, Portland, Minneapolis, Denver, and Columbia.  There were also 26 destroyers. The Robinson was the flagship of Captain T. F. Conley, Jr, Com Des Div 112 Desron 56.  Robinson made a torpedo run at 35 knots, fired five fishes, hitting one of the ships.  We ran through a storm of Japanese solvos landing all around us in the water.  The last shots of Surigao Strait were fired after daylight.  Rear Admiral R. W. Hayler ordered to take two cruisers screened by destroyers Robinson, Bryant, and Halford, down the strait to sink the Jap cripples.  This we did, and picked up one Japanese survivor, a marine officer who had attended college in California before the war.  I was injured when another gun (5-inch 38) fired over my head, the blast knocking my helmet off.  It injured both eardrums and the flash burned off the hair on my arms, face, and eyebrows.  In an air attack, shrapnel hit my helmet glanced off, cutting my right arm.  I have the shrapnel at home as of today.  
"My wife's name is Thelma.  We were married 56 years.  She passed away in August 2003."
The following poem, "To Robbie" was written by Paul Friusen, RD3, Korea—and captures the spirit of the USS Robinson, its missions, and its crews.

Everyone knows she was a fighting ship - a picket - the eyes and ears of the fleet, its first line of defense. Her mission: detect and destroy.

But she was more than that. Much, much more.

She was many things to many people, but to most of us she was our home away from home, and our refuge in a foreign port.

She took us away from our families and loved ones - off to places we’d only dreamt of - across the big waters.

She showed us God’s majesty, power and love. The awesome power of a hurricane, the brilliance of a sunrise on a calm sea, the absolute tranquility of a sunset, the magnificence of a night filled with stars that reach from one horizon to the other. She let us know how small we are in the universe.

She taught us respect and discipline - for if you didn’t respect her rules, and discipline yourself to follow them, she would cast you into the sea. But if you proved worthy, she would protect you from all the elements had to offer.

She took green, untested kids, who knew nothing of the world outside their towns or neighborhoods, and turned them into men. Men who could work together and fight together, men who could do their jobs with precision - and who earned the right to become members of her crew. She helped us form bonds that will never be broken.

She taught us by example: old sea dogs teaching young seamen, old officers teaching young ensigns.

She showed us other lands and other peoples. She let us see for ourselves how lucky we are to be Americans - and to live in a land of freedom. She taught us Patriotism and Pride. And then she brought us home again.

She came through every enemy engagement untouched. It took the country she served so well to finally send her to the bottom. We who served her trust that Old Glory was dipped as she and her noble sisters were sent to their final resting places.

May her spirit live on in us. To you, Dear Robbie, rest in peace. And to those of your crews who no longer remain among us, may you walk her silent decks on calm seas.

 Dedicated to all of the men who ever served on her …
by Paul Fruisen, RD3 Korea  

Branch:

U.S. Navy

Awards and Medals

Rank

Boatswain's Mate, Second Class

Years

World War II—1943 - 1946

Duty

USS Robinson, a destroyer vessel.

Trainer on a 40 mm.

Took care of ship's bow—hull maintenance and related work; also watch duty.

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