Longtime supporter Michael O’Byrne recently donated a small plate, punch cup, and beverage server to the SS United States Conservancy. The three items were originally used on the SS United States during the ship’s years of service and remained on board until being purchased by Gwendolyn Wilder in an auction held in October of 1984. Gwendolyn then gifted the items to her dear friend, Michael. Michael’s donation of these items was made in honor of Gwendolyn whose life and love of the ship is briefly detailed below.
Born on May 20, 1948, Gwendolyn was the daughter of a United States Army officer. When her father was stationed in Paris, France in the 1950s, the Wilder family made the trip to Europe aboard the SS United States. It was during her family’s voyage across seas that Gwendolyn fell in love with “America’s Flagship.” While in France, she attended the Paris American High School and, after graduating, returned to the states on the SS United States. After college, Gwendolyn joined the United States Army, and by 1983, had become a captain in the Military Intelligence. It was around this time she met Michael and the two were both assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency where they became close friends.
Gwendolyn often spoke with Michael about her wonderful cruises on the United States and how heartbroken she was that the ship was likely headed for the scrapyard. When the auction of the ship’s contents was announced in October of 1984, she made sure to be on leave enabling her to attend. Unfortunately, at the time, Michael was involved in a project and was unable to go with her. Upon Gwendolyn’s return, however, she brought back the three pieces of silver serving ware as a gift for Michael. In 1988, Gwendolyn left Washington, D.C. for an assignment in Germany. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with cancer and returned home in 1991 to begin aggressive treatment. Gwendolyn passed away on February 23, 1992.Michael regales, “Gwendolyn was a remarkable woman, beautiful in every way and so full of life.” In her honor, on www.savetheunitedstates.org, he previously dedicated section S319FF, the window to the Captain’s quarters on the Sports Deck of the SS United States. Michael’s recent donation of the three pieces of serving ware was accepted in honor of Gwendolyn. The Conservancy is honored to serve as stewards of these items which act as tangible reminders of Michael and Gwendolyn’s enduring friendship and shared love for the SS United States.