Title
US Navy Dress Blue Uniform Jumper
Description
Wool, dress blue uniform jumper with a square 'tar-flap' collar with white striping and embroidery in the nape of the shirt reading 'WC Gauding.' The cuffs of the jumper have matching white piping. There are two ribbon bars attached above the left breast pocket and a ruptured duck emblem on the right breast. The eagle and propellor patch with two red stripes on the left sleeve denotes a Machinist's Mate, second class.
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 #
2022.0009
Lexicon
Legacy Lexicon
Secondary Object Name
Shirt, Dress
Primary Object Name
Navy Jumper
Sub-Class Name
Main Garments
Class Name
Clothing
Category Name
Category 03: Personal Objects
