[DADoser]

Gil Cathey

Christian
Husband
Father
WWII Vet
VB-16 Dauntless Pilot '44 USS Lexington
Survivor "Mission Beyond Darkness"
VB-16 Helldiver Pilot '45 USS Randolf
Hero

My friend and brother in Christ died today.

I met Gil a few years ago when he and his wife moved from CA to AZ. I met them at church where they placed membership. I had known Gil for a couple years - he was a great guy and radiated love for his fellow man and the church in general. About 1 year ago, my family went to a church party of the "mature" Sunday school class. We were the youngest there. I was wearing a T-shirt with an early Flying Tiger's P-40 on the front. Gil said - "A P-40, huh. I flew during WWII." I asked "What did you fly?" He then (to my suprise) said "Dauntlesses off the Lexington." I was shocked that I was just learning that. We talked WWII that night and def. connected on another level due to my interest in WWII as well as my love of the Dauntless.

Due to the logistics of the Phoenix metro area - we live(d) an hour apart - and life getting in the way, I was finally able to spend an extended afternoon with Gil on July 30th '07. I took my Dauntless and Helldiver book collection as well as my FM VB-16 Dauntless with me. His health was not the best - so I literally sat on the floor at his feet (like I was a kid again) listening to him for 2 hours and occasionally asking a question. Just the affection he had for the Dauntless and the men he served with was amazing. Again, as he was speaking, I could see him going back "in the moment" as he was talking to me. He was so impressed with the Osprey book "SBD Units..." - he offered to pay me to get him a copy. I gave him mine. (He later told me he went through it and made notes in the margins.) A couple weeks later I found and bought for him a copy of "The Dauntless Dive Bomber of WWII" by Barrett Tillman (1976)

About 4 weeks ago, I met Gil for lunch in central Phoenix. We ate and talked for 2 hours. No WWII conversation this time - just his concern for the church/congregation and congregation history (He was a member of our congregation when he lived in Phoenix durring the 1970's - I was a kid in IL at that time.) We were parked on opposite sides of the resturant. I had brought my FM Dauntless with me again, but leaving it in the car as we ate. As we were leaving, I told him I had it with me and said I would like him to sign it for me. I said we could do it later. His reply to me was "We better do it now." I also told him I needed to get a hold of a video camera because I'd like to interview him and record his experiences. He said, "Yes, we need to do that soon."

Little did I know how soon we should have done that..............................

I'll just get on a little soapbox here and say - we need to seek these WWII veterans out and listen to their stories/memories before they are all gone. (Which I'm afraid, won't be very long.)


Seems like I have had a lot of interaction on the board the past couple days regarding mutual prayer request.

Pray for Gil's wife, Nancy and his family (physical and church) - Gil meant a lot to us beyond his service to the country.

While this is a sad occasion from a worldly perspective - Gil will be deeply missed. From a spiritual sense, after a long life, Gil is finally home.,,,and THAT is something to celebrate.

Gil, I love you as a brother - Rest in your reward.

[Captain Eddie]

Great post, DA! Wonderful story. Gill, as you well know, has gone to a much better place, which I know is a comfort to his wife and family...but it is always hard to lose a loved one, especially for his wife and kin. My God bless them and comfort them in their loss.

[skydriver]

Thanks for sharing your story Doser. I did a google search on Gil and found the following on www.homeofheroes.com

It seems that Gil was awarded The Navy Cross.


CATHEY, GILBERT EUGENE
Synopsis:
The Navy Cross is presented to Gilbert Eugene Cathey, Lieutenant (j.g.), U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in action on 24 July 1945, while serving as a carrier-based pilot deployed over the Inland Sea of Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

[DADoser]

Originally Posted by skydriver

Thanks for sharing your story Doser. I did a google search on Gil and found the following on www.homeofheroes.com
It seems that Gil was awarded The Navy Cross.
CATHEY, GILBERT EUGENE
Synopsis:
The Navy Cross is presented to Gilbert Eugene Cathey, Lieutenant (j.g.), U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in action on 24 July 1945, while serving as a carrier-based pilot deployed over the Inland Sea of Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

I didn't even know that. As I had spent time talking with him - he was always so humble - never mentioning any specific award or decorations. Thanks for sharing that.

I am now preparing words to share at his funeral which will be next week - not sure the exact day.

[Canucklehead]

Thank you for sharing your experiences DADoser. Truly moving.

Blue skies, Gil.

[mustangdriver]

Hey Dadoser, sorry to hear about your loss. My friend and neighbor that was a PBJ pilot in VMB-413 passed away last year, so I know how you feel. As for getting these stories down, that is why I joined the EAA Timeless Voices. We interview and record the men telling their stories. It seems great that you guys had that time together.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

Thank you for sharing your experiences DADoser. Truly moving.
Blue skies, Gil.

Ditto.. Another loss of a another veteran which is truly sad to lose another of the greatest generation..

BTW, Dan, Glad to see you back!!!

[jim]

A very touching post Dad, its always sad when we lose one these great men.

We may never see their like agin.

[SKUNKY]

It's nice that we can know where Gil is today...

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by jim

A very touching post Dad, its always sad when we lose one these great men.
.

No disrespect to Gil, but: Jim, I didn't know DA was your Dad!?!