Robert "Bob" Duane Gale

Bob, who lived an extraordinary life of accomplishment while serving his country, passed away 7 October 2014. He was 91. Born 13 December 1922 in Monterey, CA, to Army veteran Charles and Mary Agnes Gale moved to Los Angeles in 1927. He was graduated from George Washington High School as a veteran in 1951.

He enlisted in the Navy 14 December 1940 and attended Boot Camp at NTC San Diego. His first assignment was to USS Lexington CV2 surviving her sinking in the Coral Sea battle 1-8 May 1942. Married his sweetheart Carol Marie West on 7 June 1942 and is survived by three daughters: Terrie Godfrey of St George, UT, Barbara Cornelius of Fort Collins, CO, Nancy Dreier of Lake Havasu City, AZ, six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Bob’s Navy assignments included the USS Laub DD613 and USS Belleau Wood CVL24 serving in the Pacific Theater culminating by a kamikaze hit on 30 October 1944. Belleau Wood earned 11 battle stars, a Presidential Unit Citation with star and the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 stars.

After WWII, he served on the USS Gen W.G. Hahn AP158, USS Saint Paul CA73, Yokosuka, Japan. In 1951 he was selected to Ensign Limited Duty Officer in the Specialty of Damage Control and Atomic, Biological and Chemical Warfare Defense. His most significant duty was Damage Control Assistant on the USS Los Angeles CA 135 where he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1961. His final Navy assignment was at the Ship Repair Facility at 32nd St, Naval Station, San Diego, retiring in 1962.

LCDR Gale’s post Navy career included Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Naval Weapons Station China Lake, CA, followed by ten years at Naval Station Long Beach, CA, as Director of Recreation that included operation of the Navy Golf Course, Seal Beach, CA. His final assignment before retirement in 1989 was 15 years as Recreational Services Director Naval Air Station Miramar (MWR) where he received awards including a medal for Superior Civilian Service.

Bob’s lovely wife Beanie of 57 years passed away of heart and vascular disease in December 1999. He will be laid to rest next to Beanie at El Camino Memorial Park. Bob enjoyed his retirement in San Diego spending countless hours at the Miramar Golf Course and Fitness Center. Bob attended Protestant Services at the MCAS Miramar Chapel.

Funeral services will be held SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 2014 1:00PM

El Camino Memorial Park Chapel

5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121

Graveside/Military Honors will be at 2:00PM. Celebration of Life reception Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Officers' Club at 3:00PM

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements under the direction of El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, San Diego, CA.