Only 15 in 1941, Gerald Langgood Passes Away

Original Caption: Naval photograph documenting the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which initiated US participation in World War II. Navy's caption: The twisted remains of the destroyer USS SHAW burning in floating drydock at Pearl Harbor after the "sneak Japanese attack" on Dec. 7, 1941.

On October 29, 2018, just a day after celebrating his 92nd birthday, Gerald Langgood passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service, and resilience. Langgood’s story is particularly remarkable because he served during the infamous Pearl Harbor attack at the young age of just 15 years old, forever etching his name into the annals of history.

A Teenager’s Journey to the Navy

In the late 1930s, the world was on the brink of war, and young men, eager to prove their bravery and patriotism, rushed to enlist in the military. For many, including Gerald Langgood, this desire to serve often led them to enlist at an age far younger than what was legally allowed. Langgood, born in Buffalo, NY, was only 14 when he enlisted, making much of his military service technically illegal.
It all began when Langgood and a group of friends visited a post office and enlisted in the Navy. Telling the recruiter that he was 17, Langgood was able to sign up with the help of his maternal grandfather’s consent, even though he was still several years away from being legally eligible for service.

Pearl Harbor: A 15-Year-Old’s First Taste of War

By the time Langgood turned 15, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii—what seemed like a dream destination at the time. However, the tranquility of the Hawaiian Islands was shattered on December 7, 1941, when the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States. It was on this fateful day that Langgood, still just a teenager, had his first taste of war.
Langgood served as a gunner’s mate aboard USS Shaw (DD-373), a Navy destroyer docked at Pearl Harbor. He had just finished his shift and was heading below deck to grab breakfast when the chaos erupted. The sounds of explosions from above soon reached Langgood, signaling that something horrific was happening on the surface. The USS Shaw was hit multiple times during the attack, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that would become one of the most iconic images of Pearl Harbor.
Langgood’s daughter, Rosemarie Baudo, shared that her father rarely spoke of the details of that tragic day. However, he often said that witnessing the devastation “turned his hair white.” As word spread of the attack, Langgood’s grandfather confessed to the family that he had helped his underage grandson enlist, and soon after, the American Red Cross tracked down the 15-year-old sailor and escorted him back to New York.

A Second Stint in Service

Langgood’s return to civilian life in Buffalo was brief. When he turned 17, he re-enlisted, this time legally, and embarked on another chapter of his military journey. His new assignment took him to North Africa and Europe, where he served aboard USS LST-1010 during World War II. After retiring from the Navy, Langgood returned home to Buffalo, where he lived out the remainder of his life, but his commitment to the military never wavered.

Remembering a Hero

Gerald Langgood remained connected to the Navy throughout his life, regularly attending veteran events and visiting the VA Medical Center to speak with fellow veterans. He honored the memory of those lost during the Pearl Harbor attack by throwing a wreath into a nearby river every year on December 7.
Gerald Langgood’s death on October 29, 2018, marked the passing of a true American hero who had experienced history firsthand. Surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing, Langgood left behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. He is survived by his son, daughter, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

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The following tours are recognized as the most popular Pearl Harbor Tours on Oahu. While generally, our price is the lowest in the market now, for a limited time, they are on sale too. Please be advised that Pearl Harbor tickets and USS Arizona Memorial tickets are included in all of our Arizona Memorial Tours, Pearl Harbor small group tours, and private Pearl Harbor tours.

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