World War II Navy veteran Harry Gallow (third from left) celebrates his 100th birthday Jan. 7 with his brother, Dennis Gallow, 82, of Allen Park (left), and his daughter-in-law Diane Gallow, 68, and his son, John Gallow, 70, both of West Chester, Ohio, at Atria Kinghaven Senior Living in Riverview.
Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift (right) honors World War II Navy veteran Harry Gallow as he celebrates his 100th birthday Jan. 7 at Atria Kinghaven Senior Living in Riverview.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW – World War II Navy veteran Harry Gallow celebrated his 100th birthday Jan. 7 with friends, family, a color guard and a mayoral proclamation at Atria King Haven Senior Living.
Born Jan. 7, 1926, in Elyria, Ohio, Gallow grew up during the Great Depression, which instilled in him a strong work ethic.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 during World War II at 17, and received specialized submarine training.
After his military service, he worked for 43 years at Great Lakes Steel in Ecorse.
Mayor Andrew Swift recognized Gallow with a proclamation.
“Mr. Gallow’s life has been marked by deep love for his family, a strong marriage, personal passions, including automobiles and racing, and later in life, remarkable devotion as a caretaker to his beloved wife,” Swift said. “He continues to be admired for his independence, humility, wisdom and positive spirit.”
Family members present included his brother, Dennis Gallow, 82, of Allen Park, and his son, John Gallow, 70, and daughter-in-law Diane Gallow, 68, both of West Chester, Ohio.
An extended family gathering was held to celebrate Harry Gallow’s centennial the weekend prior to his birthday.
The Southgate Anderson High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps honor guard recognized the centenarian veteran, followed by musical entertainment by guitarist and singer Tom Slatton.
Harry Gallow said his World War II Navy service ended as abruptly as the war in the Pacific theater after the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Japan.
He said he was stationed in Australia toward the end of the war.
Gallow said his assignment on the submarine was working with the diesel and electric batteries.
“It was old fashioned now compared with what we have today,” he said. “Very old fashioned.”
At Great Lakes Steel, Gallow said he worked in the finishing end in the temporary mills, the last stop for the steel to be processed before it was oiled and shipped.
A Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps color guard from Southgate Anderson High School honors World War II Navy veteran Harry Gallow (front left) as he celebrates his 100th birthday Jan. 7 with his son, John Gallow, 70, of West Chester, Ohio, at Atria Kinghaven Senior Living in Riverview.
Musician Tom Slatton entertains during World War II Navy veteran Harry Gallow’s 100th birthday celebration Jan. 7 at Atria Kinghaven Senior Living in Riverview.