Message From Our Chaplain
Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460
Veteran-Owned and Serving You Since 1902
At Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, we know how much it means to serve. As a veteran-owned organization, we are committed to meeting the needs of those in our community. We’ve been open since 1902, and that means we’ve spent over 120 years helping people right here in Solon, IA.
As part of our mission, we are open to the public for meals, special events, and more. To learn more about Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 and what we’re all about, read this recent letter from our chaplain from December 2024.
A Message From Chaplain Doug Thompson
In September 1943, seventeen-year-old Dean Moel enlisted in the Navy, embarking on a journey that would define his life. Just a month later, the Escort Aircraft Carrier USS Gambier Bay was commissioned, and by December, Dean found himself assigned to this new carrier.
Less than a year later, on October 25th, 1944, Dean's ship would face its greatest test. Off the coast of the Philippines Islands, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the USS Gambier Bay, along with the other ships of the attack group, engaged the full might of the entire Japanese naval battle group led by the Battleship Yamamoto. The Gambier Bay launched her aircraft in a valiant effort to repel the larger force. Gambier Bay pilots, running out of munitions, pressed their attacks with empty guns, keeping the much larger Japanese force off balance and at bay.
Amidst the chaos, armor-piercing rounds struck the Gambier Bay, and as the ship began to list, orders were given to abandon ship. Dean stood side by side with his best friend, waiting for their turn to climb down the ropes to the water. In a heartbeat, Dean's world shattered. There was an explosion, and Dean’s best friend was decapitated. As his friend’s body toppled into the water, Dean decided to forget the rope and jumped 70 feet into a sea littered with debris, men, and bodies of the dead.
The USS Gambier Bay capsized at 0903 hours and slipped beneath the waves just eight minutes later, taking with her trapped men and others too weak to swim away from the suction as the Gambier Bay sank.
Bleeding and alone, Dean swam towards voices in the water, not knowing if they belonged to a friend or foe. Fortunately, they were his shipmates. Together, they spent two harrowing days and nights in shark-infested waters before being rescued. During those horrific days and nights, another shipmate and friend, nicknamed “Pinch,” pressed his thumb under Dean's chin to hold his head up, thus preventing Dean from drowning when he fell asleep from exhaustion.
After their rescue, the horrors of war did not end for Dean. The rescued men were given hot showers, fresh uniforms, water, and food. Another friend of Dean’s, holding a cup of tomato soup, without saying a word, sat down beside Dean and suddenly keeled over dead, spilling the soup onto Dean’s lap.
After the war, Dean married and strived to be a good husband and father. The memories of his ordeal never left him, but he carried on with dignity and grace. Because of Dean’s service to his country and the respect he earned from going through the nightmare of war, Dean, the USS Gambier Bay, and its crew are immortalized on the Johnson County Freedom Rock in Solon, a testament to their unwavering bravery. During a Solon High School football game in 2019, Dean was honored as the Veteran of the Game. In 2020, the Iowa Hawkeye Football Team recognized Dean as their Military Hero of the Game. Dean was more than a hero; he was a friend and a brother. Dean was admired and loved deeply by those who knew him. He was one of the greatest individuals I've ever known.
Over the years, Dean has shared some of his stories with me. However, I wish to thank Dean's family and Denny Hansen, who collaborated with me to write this message. This message is about one man, but it is the story that is linked to all those who called the Gambier Bay home. There are no words I can ever say or write that will adequately express my gratitude towards the men and women over the course of America's history who stepped forward, saying not only will I serve my nation, but I will put my nation before myself.
Doug Thompson, Chaplain
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