Military Life
With the United States’ entry into war, Gib, as his friends called him, enlisted hoping to be a pilot. He was sent to England, serving in the Eight Air Force, 832d Bombardment Squadron (Insignia name “Bat out of Hell”) and the 486th Bombardment Group. He was a B-17 Flying Fortress Engineer and Top Turret Gunner. In addition to protecting against attack from above, he knew all the systems of the aircraft and monitored the engines and fuel in flight. He completed a staggering 31 missions from July 11, 1944 to February 11, 1945 over France, Belgium and Germany. Decorations and citations included European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, and an Air Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. After demobilization, he served as an Airplane Mechanic-Gunner and a Gunnery Instructor.