Title
US Navy Dress White Service Jumper
Description
White US Navy cotton jumper with 'WC Gauding' stamped in the waistband. A patch with two black bars and eagle and propeller embroidered on left shoulder indicated a Machinist's Mate, second class. Stains and discoloration appear throughout.
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
Jumper
Primary Object Name
Navy Jumper
Sub-Class Name
Main Garments
Class Name
Clothing
Category Name
Category 03: Personal Objects
