Title
Shell Casing Lamp
Description
A brass shell casing lamp with a green decorative marble placed at the top of the piece. Created from discarded shell casings, scrap, and materials gathered from around the USS Laffey (DD-724).
Collection
Wilbert Gauding Collection
Context
Both a plankowner and serving on board the USS Laffey (DD-724) throughout the war, Machinist’s Mate 2/c, Wilbert C. Gauding was aboard the destroyer at D-Day and the Battle of Okinawa.
Of the deadly attack off Okinawa, Gauding described listening for the guns. “The five-inch guns would start to fire, then the 40 mm, and last, the 20mm. I knew the suicide planes were about to hit!” That day, the Laffey became the most bombed ship to survive World War II without sinking. Gauding survived the deadly attack and became a life-long supporter of the USS Laffey and Patriots Point.
Of the deadly attack off Okinawa, Gauding described listening for the guns. “The five-inch guns would start to fire, then the 40 mm, and last, the 20mm. I knew the suicide planes were about to hit!” That day, the Laffey became the most bombed ship to survive World War II without sinking. Gauding survived the deadly attack and became a life-long supporter of the USS Laffey and Patriots Point.
Accession #
2023.20
Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Secondary Object Name
Lamp, Table
Primary Object Name
Art, Trench
Sub-Class Name
Lighting Devices
Class Name
Art
Category Name
Category 08: Communication Objects
