Optimax Patriots
Optimax Employee: M. Umber
Francis Gauthier
Francis Gauthier was a Second Class Fire Controlman for the U.S. Navy during World War II. He became part of the first crew aboard the Richard P. Leary. The Leary was credited with two torpedo hits on a Japanese warship that, at the time, was the largest ship in the world. The destroyer had engaged in supporting fire during battles in Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Palau, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. For his service, Francis was awarded the Asia-Pacific Area Ribbon with six stars and the Japanese Liberation Ribbon with two stars for the invasion of the Surigao Strait.
Thank you for your service.
