Name/Title
Shell Casing LampDescription
A brass shell casing lamp with a green decorative marble placed at the top of the piece. Created from discarded shell casings, scrap, and materials gathered from around the USS Laffey (DD-724).Use
Sailor art and decorative fixture created by Wilbert Gauding during his downtime on the USS Laffey (DD-724).Context
Both a plankowner and serving on board the USS Laffey (DD-724) throughout the war, Machinist’s Mate 2/c, Wilbert C. Gauding was aboard the destroyer at D-Day and the Battle of Okinawa.
Of the deadly attack off Okinawa, Gauding described listening for the guns. “The five-inch guns would start to fire, then the 40 mm, and last, the 20mm. I knew the suicide planes were about to hit!” That day, the Laffey became the most bombed ship to survive World War II without sinking. Gauding survived the deadly attack and became a life-long supporter of the USS Laffey and Patriots Point.Collection
Wilbert Gauding CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2023.20Source or Donor
Cheryl Gauding CettomaiAcquisition Method
DonationMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Wilbert Charles GaudingRole
Metal SmithManufacturer
Wilbert Charles GaudingDate made
circa 1942 - circa 1945Update Date
March 25, 2025
