Dedicated to my father
James M. Lavelle TM2c
1921 - 1964

As well as all the officers and men who served aboard the
USS GUNNEL
 

 

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Introduction
 
Welcome to Give 'em Hell - The Story of the USS GUNNEL. The purpose of this on-line book is to detail the history of one World War 2 US submarine, the USS GUNNEL (SS-253), from keel laying to scrapping. Each of the GUNNEL's War Patrols, there were 8 in all, has it's own chapter. There are also chapters on the boat's statistics, the attacks she made, the trip back to New London after the war, as well as many photos of the crew and boat.

This work is a cooperative effort between RAdm Lloyd "Joe" Vasey, Capt. Guy O'Neil and myself, Jim Lavelle. Many of the crew have contributed stories and photos to this effort as well.

Joe served aboard the GUNNEL as the First Lieutenant, Torpedo and Gunnery officer for the first 2 patrols and as Executive Officer and Navigator on the next 3 patrols.

Guy served as the Commanding Officer for Patrols 6, 7 and 8 as well as the trip home after the war.

I am the son of TM2 James M. "Jimmy" Lavelle who served in the After Torpedo Room on patrols 2 through 8. I was a BT3 (Boiler Tech) on board the USS COOK (DE-1083) during the war in Vietnam. It is a privilege and an honor for me to work with men of such character.

We hope you enjoy reading this book and find the information contained in it interesting and informative.

James M. Lavelle
January 2010

Commissioning Day Cover
August 20, 1942

 
 

Sgt. Frederick G. Chapman Normandy American Cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer, France

Frederick G. Chapman memorial page   Fred Chapman was killed on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944.   He served with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

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