Forrest W. Gibson 1913-1943

GIBSON, BARKER, KERR, GLATTFELDER, ROTH

Posted By: Volunteer-Barbara Evans
Date: 2/9/2012 at 10:27:15

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 284, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

Gibson Memorial Rites Held At Milton Saturday

Memorial services for Pvt. Forrest W. Gibson, 30, were held at the Christian church in Milton on Saturday, Oct. 2, with the Rev. W.W. Coverdale in charge. Special music was given by Keith Gaston, accompanied by Mrs. Gaston at the piano.

Interment was in the Sunnyside cemetery at Milton. Pallbearers and military honors were by the Russell Strait Post No. 43 of the American Legion.

Pvt. Forrest W. Gibson, son of William H. and Alice M. Gibson, was born on a farm near Troy, Iowa, February 19, 1913. He spent his life on the same farm until called to serve his country on March 25, 1942.

He was sent to Ft. Ord, Calif., for training. He also took training in other camps in California. He left for overseas duty April 14, 1943. He was sent to the Aleutian islands. His parents received a telegram June 15, 1943, saying their son, Pvt. Forrest Gibson, had been killed in action on May 29, 1943, at the age of 30 years, 3 months and 10 days. He was a machine gunner and lost his life on Attu Island. He was laid to rest in the Little Falls cemetery overseas until his body could be sent to the States for final burial in the family lot in the Sunnyside cemetery at Milton.

He leaves to mourn his passing three brothers: Roy Gibson of Mishawaka, Indiana; Floyd Gibson of the home place near Douds; Lester Gibson of Shelton, Nebraska; four sisters: Violet Barker, Ottumwa; Goldie Kerr, Keosauqua; Pearl Glattfelder, Floris; Weltha Roth, Fairfield.

His parents, William H. and Alice M. Gibson, preceded him in death, also a brother, Clarence Gibson. One brother and one sister died in infancy. He leaves a host of relatives and friends to mourn the loss of an outstanding young man.