Sgt. Gibbs, first joined the United States Marine Corps in January of 1942, at Detroit, Michigan. He was promptly sent to Parris Island, South Carolina for training. After boot camp he was sent to Quantico, Virginia for aircraft enginering school. He scored EXPERT in Automatic Rifle, Thompson Submachine Gun, Machine Gun, 37 MM Gun, 3 inch Mortor, and Rifle Gernade. He was a member of numerous squadrons including Headquarters Squadron 21, Marine Aircraft Group 2; Utility Squadron VMJ-252; Headquarters Squadron, 4th Marine Air Base; Scouting Squadron 236; Wing Service Squadron 3; Scout-Bombing Squadron 464; Headquarters Squadron 41; and Torpedo Squadron 332.
In January of 1945 he was awarded the USMC Good Conduct medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with two service stars (for Northern Solomons and New Georgia campaigns). His primary assignment was as an Aviation Radio-Gunner and he was cited and commended for his service.
Major-General Nathan F. Twining, US Army wrote this commendation:
"As Commander Aircraft Solomon Islands, I desire to commend you and the officers and men of the Strike Command, Aircraft Solomon Islands on the results of the special air operations carried out so successfully during the period of September 14 to 16, 1943. Preceeding the special operations, your command had been taxed to the utmost over a long period of strenuous and continuous operations against the enemy in the Solomon Islands. The further demands on personnel and equipment to perform the additional tasks were accomplished in a superb manner by each and everyone, thereby exhibiting a loyal devotion to duty; all exemplary of the highest traditions of the military service. To the maintenance personnel for their untiring efforts that made possible the execution of the numerous air attacks, and to the flight crews, who by skillful employment of their weapons dealt the telling blows against the enemy air and surface objectives, my praise and congratulations. It is directed that this commendation be brought to the attention of all members of your command."
In one(then)SECRET enclosure from Admiral Halsey, to Strike-Bomber Command:
"I wish to extend my admiration and congratulations to you and to all hands concerned from pilots to ground crews for the splendid air efforts preceding and during the Treasury and Empress Augusta Bay initial landings. You said you could neutralize the Bougainville Airfields. You did and how. You promised effective air cover and support and kept the promise in outstanding fashion. The Japs haven't recovered yet so keep them falling--Halsey."
Military Information: SGT, US MARINE CORPS
In January of 1945 he was awarded the USMC Good Conduct medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with two service stars (for Northern Solomons and New Georgia campaigns). His primary assignment was as an Aviation Radio-Gunner and he was cited and commended for his service.
Major-General Nathan F. Twining, US Army wrote this commendation:
"As Commander Aircraft Solomon Islands, I desire to commend you and the officers and men of the Strike Command, Aircraft Solomon Islands on the results of the special air operations carried out so successfully during the period of September 14 to 16, 1943. Preceeding the special operations, your command had been taxed to the utmost over a long period of strenuous and continuous operations against the enemy in the Solomon Islands. The further demands on personnel and equipment to perform the additional tasks were accomplished in a superb manner by each and everyone, thereby exhibiting a loyal devotion to duty; all exemplary of the highest traditions of the military service. To the maintenance personnel for their untiring efforts that made possible the execution of the numerous air attacks, and to the flight crews, who by skillful employment of their weapons dealt the telling blows against the enemy air and surface objectives, my praise and congratulations. It is directed that this commendation be brought to the attention of all members of your command."
In one(then)SECRET enclosure from Admiral Halsey, to Strike-Bomber Command:
"I wish to extend my admiration and congratulations to you and to all hands concerned from pilots to ground crews for the splendid air efforts preceding and during the Treasury and Empress Augusta Bay initial landings. You said you could neutralize the Bougainville Airfields. You did and how. You promised effective air cover and support and kept the promise in outstanding fashion. The Japs haven't recovered yet so keep them falling--Halsey."
Military Information: SGT, US MARINE CORPS
Sgt. Gibbs, first joined the United States Marine Corps in January of 1942, at Detroit, Michigan. He was promptly sent to Parris Island, South Carolina for training. After boot camp he was sent to Quantico, Virginia for aircraft enginering school. He scored EXPERT in Automatic Rifle, Thompson Submachine Gun, Machine Gun, 37 MM Gun, 3 inch Mortor, and Rifle Gernade. He was a member of numerous squadrons including Headquarters Squadron 21, Marine Aircraft Group 2; Utility Squadron VMJ-252; Headquarters Squadron, 4th Marine Air Base; Scouting Squadron 236; Wing Service Squadron 3; Scout-Bombing Squadron 464; Headquarters Squadron 41; and Torpedo Squadron 332.
In January of 1945 he was awarded the USMC Good Conduct medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with two service stars (for Northern Solomons and New Georgia campaigns). His primary assignment was as an Aviation Radio-Gunner and he was cited and commended for his service.
Major-General Nathan F. Twining, US Army wrote this commendation:
"As Commander Aircraft Solomon Islands, I desire to commend you and the officers and men of the Strike Command, Aircraft Solomon Islands on the results of the special air operations carried out so successfully during the period of September 14 to 16, 1943. Preceeding the special operations, your command had been taxed to the utmost over a long period of strenuous and continuous operations against the enemy in the Solomon Islands. The further demands on personnel and equipment to perform the additional tasks were accomplished in a superb manner by each and everyone, thereby exhibiting a loyal devotion to duty; all exemplary of the highest traditions of the military service. To the maintenance personnel for their untiring efforts that made possible the execution of the numerous air attacks, and to the flight crews, who by skillful employment of their weapons dealt the telling blows against the enemy air and surface objectives, my praise and congratulations. It is directed that this commendation be brought to the attention of all members of your command."
In one(then)SECRET enclosure from Admiral Halsey, to Strike-Bomber Command:
"I wish to extend my admiration and congratulations to you and to all hands concerned from pilots to ground crews for the splendid air efforts preceding and during the Treasury and Empress Augusta Bay initial landings. You said you could neutralize the Bougainville Airfields. You did and how. You promised effective air cover and support and kept the promise in outstanding fashion. The Japs haven't recovered yet so keep them falling--Halsey."
Military Information: SGT, US MARINE CORPS
In January of 1945 he was awarded the USMC Good Conduct medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with two service stars (for Northern Solomons and New Georgia campaigns). His primary assignment was as an Aviation Radio-Gunner and he was cited and commended for his service.
Major-General Nathan F. Twining, US Army wrote this commendation:
"As Commander Aircraft Solomon Islands, I desire to commend you and the officers and men of the Strike Command, Aircraft Solomon Islands on the results of the special air operations carried out so successfully during the period of September 14 to 16, 1943. Preceeding the special operations, your command had been taxed to the utmost over a long period of strenuous and continuous operations against the enemy in the Solomon Islands. The further demands on personnel and equipment to perform the additional tasks were accomplished in a superb manner by each and everyone, thereby exhibiting a loyal devotion to duty; all exemplary of the highest traditions of the military service. To the maintenance personnel for their untiring efforts that made possible the execution of the numerous air attacks, and to the flight crews, who by skillful employment of their weapons dealt the telling blows against the enemy air and surface objectives, my praise and congratulations. It is directed that this commendation be brought to the attention of all members of your command."
In one(then)SECRET enclosure from Admiral Halsey, to Strike-Bomber Command:
"I wish to extend my admiration and congratulations to you and to all hands concerned from pilots to ground crews for the splendid air efforts preceding and during the Treasury and Empress Augusta Bay initial landings. You said you could neutralize the Bougainville Airfields. You did and how. You promised effective air cover and support and kept the promise in outstanding fashion. The Japs haven't recovered yet so keep them falling--Halsey."
Military Information: SGT, US MARINE CORPS
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
