Macario Gil

Birthplace: Abilene, Kansas

Branch of Service: Navy

Unit: USS Grayson DD 435

Theater of Operation: Pacific

Enlisted / Commissioned: Mar 16, 1946

Military Honors: American Area Camp Medal, Asiatic Pacific Camp(7stars), Philippine Liberation Ribbon(1 star), Point System: Victory Medal

Honored By: Wife, Helen Gil

Macario Gil participated in boot camp in Farragut, Idaho, and was then sent for further training in Bremington, Washington. There he was assigned to the U.S. Navy Ship USS Grayson. When he came aboard the Grayson, he learned that this ship first entered the Pacific in 1942, accompanying the Aircraft Carrier Hornet. It was from that ship that General Doolittle’s flyers flew the first raid on Tokyo, Japan, and many more after that. Gil was proud to be a member of this ship when they were assigned to Task Force 38. This Task Force saw combat all over the Pacific and fought in many battles and campaigns. Awards included the American Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 7 stars, the Philippines Liberation Medal with 1 star, the Point system, and the Victory Medal.

After military service, he worked 16 1/2 years for the railroad, the Security Mill in Abilene, Kansas, and finally retired from Central Soya Mills after 25 years of service.