Survivor of Pearl Harbor Receives Letter from Top Navy Admiral on 104th Birthday

A Veteran’s Journey Through War and Sacrifice

Geb Galle, a Navy veteran who lived to be 104 years old, experienced some of the most defining moments of World War II. His service began on December 7, 1941, when he was aboard the battleship USS Nevada during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. At the time, he was in his dress whites and initially didn’t recognize the planes as enemy aircraft. As the attack unfolded, Galle rushed to his battle station in the engine room, where he helped get the ship underway despite being struck multiple times.

According to his daughter, Lynda Palmer, an officer ordered Galle to get the boilers going immediately. He responded that it would take some time because the steam boilers were large. The officer replied, “I don’t care. Get them going and get them going now.” This urgency allowed the Nevada to escape the harbor before it was ultimately beached to prevent it from sinking and blocking the entrance.

After surviving Pearl Harbor, Galle continued his service aboard the cruiser USS Northampton, which played a key role in the Doolittle Raid in April 1942. Alongside other sailors, he watched B-25 bombers take off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. The crew cheered and prayed for the planes to successfully launch, hoping they would catch the upswing of the ship to take off safely.

The Northampton also participated in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, where the Hornet was severely damaged. The Northampton attempted to tow the stricken carrier to safety, but the Hornet was hit again and eventually abandoned. Later, during the Guadalcanal campaign, the Northampton was struck by Japanese torpedoes at the Battle of Tassafaronga and sank on December 1, 1942.

As the Northampton was sinking, Galle heard four sailors trapped behind a watertight hatch yelling for help. A senior officer ordered him to stop opening the hatch, but Galle ignored the command and freed the men. He then joined others on a life raft, where he spent a day-and-a-half before being rescued by a U.S. plane and picked up by the PT 109, a patrol boat later commanded by John F. Kennedy.

Galle went on to participate in 19 campaigns in the Pacific during World War II. His actions during the war were not only heroic but also reflective of the camaraderie and resilience that defined the era. When he turned 104 on July 20, he received a letter from Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby, delivered by two sailors. One of them was a machinist’s mate, just like Galle had been during the war.

“They sat there and conversed back and forth about what it was like to be a machinist’s mate,” Palmer said. “Here’s dad’s family all standing around while this gentleman was reading this letter to him. It just brought tears to my eyes.”

In his letter, Kilby praised Galle’s remarkable journey, calling it an enduring testament to the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of the Navy and the nation. He acknowledged the courage and devotion of patriots like Galle, who answered the call with honor and unwavering commitment.

Galle’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during one of the most challenging periods in American history. His experiences, from surviving Pearl Harbor to rescuing fellow sailors, highlight the bravery and dedication that shaped the course of the war and the legacy of the U.S. Navy.