Burial Details:
According to Huston Jost Funeral Home, who handled arrangements for Woodsie Charles Gibbs, he was cremated and the urn was returned to the family. Woodsie is now listed in the records for the IOOF Cemetery in Lebanon, Oregon. Records show that he is interred along with his wife in Rose Garden; Row 102; Lot 1957; Grave 1.
Please see military and battle notes below, by clicking to "Read More."
Obituary published on page 8 of The Lebanon Express on 14 Jul 1999:
Woodsie Charles Gibbs, 75, of Lebanon, died Tuesday, July 6, 1999, at Lebanon Community Hospital. A memorial service was held Friday, July 9, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Lebanon.
He was born March 10, 1924, in Lily, Wisconsin, the son of Woodsie and America (Arrowood) Gibbs. He lived in Lily, Wisconsin, throughout his childhood and attended school there. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his discharge, he married Katherine Wakely in Crandon, Wisconsin, on Dec 17, 1945. They moved to Oregon in 1946, residing at Hood River for a short time. They moved to Lebanon in 1950, and had resided here since. He worked as a timber faller for many years. He retired from Champion International Plywood in Lebanon in 1986.
Gibbs was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church, American Legion Santiam Post No. 51, and the Lebanon Moose Lodge No. 1866. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Katherine "Katie" Gibbs of Lebanon; three daughters, Kathy Peters and Patricia Gibson, both of Lebanon, and Barbara Gibbs of Albany; a son, Charles Gibbs of Lebanon; two brothers, Elmer Gibbs of Lebanon and Steve Gibbs of Cottage Grove; a sister, Millie Wolf of Eugene; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Emil and Carl; and a sister, Ruby.
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From the military file of PFC Woodsie C. Gibbs:
PFC Woodsie Charles Gibbs – Born 10 Mar 1924. Entered service from Lily, Wisconsin, enlisting on 28 Apr 1943. Physical description at time he entered service: 5'10" tall, 155 lbs, blond hair, blue eyes, freckled. Listed as lightly wounded in action with F Company at Rapido River, 16 Jan 1944. Purple Heart. Released from service on 23 Nov 1945. Died 6 Jul 1999 in Lebanon, Oregon.
---------
Battle notes for PFC Woodsie Gibbs, written by Evelyn Park Blalock, compiled from notes and remembrances of Dennis F. Blalock, C.O. of Fox Corps. Please do not publish elsewhere without providing full and proper credit. Thank you.
During World War II, PFC Woodsie Gibbs served with Fox Corps, 141st Infantry, 36th Division, U.S. Army (T-Patchers). Here is a glimpse into two missions during his service.
On 16 Jan 1944, PFC Gibbs was wounded in action while serving with Fox Corps during the Rapido River conflict, a particularly bloody and horrific event. The American forces were outnumbered and poorly supplied for this assault. Crossing the fast-flowing Rapido River with insufficient munitions, and the promise of backup forces that never arrived, many men were eventually forced into hand-to-hand or bayonet combat with the enemy. Some units suffered nearly 100% mortality, and no soldier escaped without the scars of this battle. It was arguably one of the greatest defeats in American military history. After the war, many men from the 36th Division, including their commanding officer, petitioned the U.S. Congress to investigate the politicized decisions of General Mark Clark that led so many men needlessly to their deaths. More information about this campaign, including documentation of PFC Gibbs' injury there, can be found in the excellent book, "A River Swift and Deadly," by Lee Carraway Smith. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
In late April 1945, Fox Corps, including PFC Gibbs, moved forward to attack a Nazi battalion command post that was guarding a Kaufering subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp system at or near Hurlach, France (near Landsberg).
Instructions for the mission were as follows (translated from the tactical notes of C.O. Dennis F. Blalock): Move light and fast. Bring no kitchens, 2 blankets, 1 munitions BAR, wools, and carry fatigues. Deploy at 8 o'clock with three trucks and no lights. Keep guns out. Objective is to overtake a Nazi battalion command post (Bn CP) guarding 800 Jewish prisoners.
At this point in the war, the BAR usually referred to an individual weapon rather than a team. The Browning could be carried and operated by one soldier, so they weren't using the designated "gunner, spotter, loader" plan or working like a .30 Browning LMG team. This allowed all men to fire as needed and didn't load any soldier down with excessive magazines as supply for the other soldiers (i.e., faster and more flexible movement). There were no spare barrels to carry and the gun didn't need a tripod; however, this plan left no backup to supply more munitions to soldiers who had expended their supply and also did not provide for spotters.
Their mission was successful and they liberated approximately 800 Jewish prisoners. After overtaking the enemy, the troops began administering aid to the freed prisoners, many of whom were diminished to almost skeletal form. The swastika that flew overhead was pulled down and the American flag was raised. At full strength, Fox Corps would have included about 150 men. The platoon members that initially entered the stronghold with C.O. Dennis F. Blalock, including PFC Gibbs, had the privilege of signing the captured battle flag. For a full list of those who signed, please visit the virtual cemetery.
According to Huston Jost Funeral Home, who handled arrangements for Woodsie Charles Gibbs, he was cremated and the urn was returned to the family. Woodsie is now listed in the records for the IOOF Cemetery in Lebanon, Oregon. Records show that he is interred along with his wife in Rose Garden; Row 102; Lot 1957; Grave 1.
Please see military and battle notes below, by clicking to "Read More."
Obituary published on page 8 of The Lebanon Express on 14 Jul 1999:
Woodsie Charles Gibbs, 75, of Lebanon, died Tuesday, July 6, 1999, at Lebanon Community Hospital. A memorial service was held Friday, July 9, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Lebanon.
He was born March 10, 1924, in Lily, Wisconsin, the son of Woodsie and America (Arrowood) Gibbs. He lived in Lily, Wisconsin, throughout his childhood and attended school there. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his discharge, he married Katherine Wakely in Crandon, Wisconsin, on Dec 17, 1945. They moved to Oregon in 1946, residing at Hood River for a short time. They moved to Lebanon in 1950, and had resided here since. He worked as a timber faller for many years. He retired from Champion International Plywood in Lebanon in 1986.
Gibbs was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church, American Legion Santiam Post No. 51, and the Lebanon Moose Lodge No. 1866. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Katherine "Katie" Gibbs of Lebanon; three daughters, Kathy Peters and Patricia Gibson, both of Lebanon, and Barbara Gibbs of Albany; a son, Charles Gibbs of Lebanon; two brothers, Elmer Gibbs of Lebanon and Steve Gibbs of Cottage Grove; a sister, Millie Wolf of Eugene; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Emil and Carl; and a sister, Ruby.
----------
From the military file of PFC Woodsie C. Gibbs:
PFC Woodsie Charles Gibbs – Born 10 Mar 1924. Entered service from Lily, Wisconsin, enlisting on 28 Apr 1943. Physical description at time he entered service: 5'10" tall, 155 lbs, blond hair, blue eyes, freckled. Listed as lightly wounded in action with F Company at Rapido River, 16 Jan 1944. Purple Heart. Released from service on 23 Nov 1945. Died 6 Jul 1999 in Lebanon, Oregon.
---------
Battle notes for PFC Woodsie Gibbs, written by Evelyn Park Blalock, compiled from notes and remembrances of Dennis F. Blalock, C.O. of Fox Corps. Please do not publish elsewhere without providing full and proper credit. Thank you.
During World War II, PFC Woodsie Gibbs served with Fox Corps, 141st Infantry, 36th Division, U.S. Army (T-Patchers). Here is a glimpse into two missions during his service.
On 16 Jan 1944, PFC Gibbs was wounded in action while serving with Fox Corps during the Rapido River conflict, a particularly bloody and horrific event. The American forces were outnumbered and poorly supplied for this assault. Crossing the fast-flowing Rapido River with insufficient munitions, and the promise of backup forces that never arrived, many men were eventually forced into hand-to-hand or bayonet combat with the enemy. Some units suffered nearly 100% mortality, and no soldier escaped without the scars of this battle. It was arguably one of the greatest defeats in American military history. After the war, many men from the 36th Division, including their commanding officer, petitioned the U.S. Congress to investigate the politicized decisions of General Mark Clark that led so many men needlessly to their deaths. More information about this campaign, including documentation of PFC Gibbs' injury there, can be found in the excellent book, "A River Swift and Deadly," by Lee Carraway Smith. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
In late April 1945, Fox Corps, including PFC Gibbs, moved forward to attack a Nazi battalion command post that was guarding a Kaufering subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp system at or near Hurlach, France (near Landsberg).
Instructions for the mission were as follows (translated from the tactical notes of C.O. Dennis F. Blalock): Move light and fast. Bring no kitchens, 2 blankets, 1 munitions BAR, wools, and carry fatigues. Deploy at 8 o'clock with three trucks and no lights. Keep guns out. Objective is to overtake a Nazi battalion command post (Bn CP) guarding 800 Jewish prisoners.
At this point in the war, the BAR usually referred to an individual weapon rather than a team. The Browning could be carried and operated by one soldier, so they weren't using the designated "gunner, spotter, loader" plan or working like a .30 Browning LMG team. This allowed all men to fire as needed and didn't load any soldier down with excessive magazines as supply for the other soldiers (i.e., faster and more flexible movement). There were no spare barrels to carry and the gun didn't need a tripod; however, this plan left no backup to supply more munitions to soldiers who had expended their supply and also did not provide for spotters.
Their mission was successful and they liberated approximately 800 Jewish prisoners. After overtaking the enemy, the troops began administering aid to the freed prisoners, many of whom were diminished to almost skeletal form. The swastika that flew overhead was pulled down and the American flag was raised. At full strength, Fox Corps would have included about 150 men. The platoon members that initially entered the stronghold with C.O. Dennis F. Blalock, including PFC Gibbs, had the privilege of signing the captured battle flag. For a full list of those who signed, please visit the virtual cemetery.
Burial Details:
According to Huston Jost Funeral Home, who handled arrangements for Woodsie Charles Gibbs, he was cremated and the urn was returned to the family. Woodsie is now listed in the records for the IOOF Cemetery in Lebanon, Oregon. Records show that he is interred along with his wife in Rose Garden; Row 102; Lot 1957; Grave 1.
Please see military and battle notes below, by clicking to "Read More."
Obituary published on page 8 of The Lebanon Express on 14 Jul 1999:
Woodsie Charles Gibbs, 75, of Lebanon, died Tuesday, July 6, 1999, at Lebanon Community Hospital. A memorial service was held Friday, July 9, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Lebanon.
He was born March 10, 1924, in Lily, Wisconsin, the son of Woodsie and America (Arrowood) Gibbs. He lived in Lily, Wisconsin, throughout his childhood and attended school there. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his discharge, he married Katherine Wakely in Crandon, Wisconsin, on Dec 17, 1945. They moved to Oregon in 1946, residing at Hood River for a short time. They moved to Lebanon in 1950, and had resided here since. He worked as a timber faller for many years. He retired from Champion International Plywood in Lebanon in 1986.
Gibbs was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church, American Legion Santiam Post No. 51, and the Lebanon Moose Lodge No. 1866. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Katherine "Katie" Gibbs of Lebanon; three daughters, Kathy Peters and Patricia Gibson, both of Lebanon, and Barbara Gibbs of Albany; a son, Charles Gibbs of Lebanon; two brothers, Elmer Gibbs of Lebanon and Steve Gibbs of Cottage Grove; a sister, Millie Wolf of Eugene; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Emil and Carl; and a sister, Ruby.
----------
From the military file of PFC Woodsie C. Gibbs:
PFC Woodsie Charles Gibbs – Born 10 Mar 1924. Entered service from Lily, Wisconsin, enlisting on 28 Apr 1943. Physical description at time he entered service: 5'10" tall, 155 lbs, blond hair, blue eyes, freckled. Listed as lightly wounded in action with F Company at Rapido River, 16 Jan 1944. Purple Heart. Released from service on 23 Nov 1945. Died 6 Jul 1999 in Lebanon, Oregon.
---------
Battle notes for PFC Woodsie Gibbs, written by Evelyn Park Blalock, compiled from notes and remembrances of Dennis F. Blalock, C.O. of Fox Corps. Please do not publish elsewhere without providing full and proper credit. Thank you.
During World War II, PFC Woodsie Gibbs served with Fox Corps, 141st Infantry, 36th Division, U.S. Army (T-Patchers). Here is a glimpse into two missions during his service.
On 16 Jan 1944, PFC Gibbs was wounded in action while serving with Fox Corps during the Rapido River conflict, a particularly bloody and horrific event. The American forces were outnumbered and poorly supplied for this assault. Crossing the fast-flowing Rapido River with insufficient munitions, and the promise of backup forces that never arrived, many men were eventually forced into hand-to-hand or bayonet combat with the enemy. Some units suffered nearly 100% mortality, and no soldier escaped without the scars of this battle. It was arguably one of the greatest defeats in American military history. After the war, many men from the 36th Division, including their commanding officer, petitioned the U.S. Congress to investigate the politicized decisions of General Mark Clark that led so many men needlessly to their deaths. More information about this campaign, including documentation of PFC Gibbs' injury there, can be found in the excellent book, "A River Swift and Deadly," by Lee Carraway Smith. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
In late April 1945, Fox Corps, including PFC Gibbs, moved forward to attack a Nazi battalion command post that was guarding a Kaufering subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp system at or near Hurlach, France (near Landsberg).
Instructions for the mission were as follows (translated from the tactical notes of C.O. Dennis F. Blalock): Move light and fast. Bring no kitchens, 2 blankets, 1 munitions BAR, wools, and carry fatigues. Deploy at 8 o'clock with three trucks and no lights. Keep guns out. Objective is to overtake a Nazi battalion command post (Bn CP) guarding 800 Jewish prisoners.
At this point in the war, the BAR usually referred to an individual weapon rather than a team. The Browning could be carried and operated by one soldier, so they weren't using the designated "gunner, spotter, loader" plan or working like a .30 Browning LMG team. This allowed all men to fire as needed and didn't load any soldier down with excessive magazines as supply for the other soldiers (i.e., faster and more flexible movement). There were no spare barrels to carry and the gun didn't need a tripod; however, this plan left no backup to supply more munitions to soldiers who had expended their supply and also did not provide for spotters.
Their mission was successful and they liberated approximately 800 Jewish prisoners. After overtaking the enemy, the troops began administering aid to the freed prisoners, many of whom were diminished to almost skeletal form. The swastika that flew overhead was pulled down and the American flag was raised. At full strength, Fox Corps would have included about 150 men. The platoon members that initially entered the stronghold with C.O. Dennis F. Blalock, including PFC Gibbs, had the privilege of signing the captured battle flag. For a full list of those who signed, please visit the virtual cemetery.
According to Huston Jost Funeral Home, who handled arrangements for Woodsie Charles Gibbs, he was cremated and the urn was returned to the family. Woodsie is now listed in the records for the IOOF Cemetery in Lebanon, Oregon. Records show that he is interred along with his wife in Rose Garden; Row 102; Lot 1957; Grave 1.
Please see military and battle notes below, by clicking to "Read More."
Obituary published on page 8 of The Lebanon Express on 14 Jul 1999:
Woodsie Charles Gibbs, 75, of Lebanon, died Tuesday, July 6, 1999, at Lebanon Community Hospital. A memorial service was held Friday, July 9, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Lebanon.
He was born March 10, 1924, in Lily, Wisconsin, the son of Woodsie and America (Arrowood) Gibbs. He lived in Lily, Wisconsin, throughout his childhood and attended school there. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his discharge, he married Katherine Wakely in Crandon, Wisconsin, on Dec 17, 1945. They moved to Oregon in 1946, residing at Hood River for a short time. They moved to Lebanon in 1950, and had resided here since. He worked as a timber faller for many years. He retired from Champion International Plywood in Lebanon in 1986.
Gibbs was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church, American Legion Santiam Post No. 51, and the Lebanon Moose Lodge No. 1866. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Katherine "Katie" Gibbs of Lebanon; three daughters, Kathy Peters and Patricia Gibson, both of Lebanon, and Barbara Gibbs of Albany; a son, Charles Gibbs of Lebanon; two brothers, Elmer Gibbs of Lebanon and Steve Gibbs of Cottage Grove; a sister, Millie Wolf of Eugene; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Emil and Carl; and a sister, Ruby.
----------
From the military file of PFC Woodsie C. Gibbs:
PFC Woodsie Charles Gibbs – Born 10 Mar 1924. Entered service from Lily, Wisconsin, enlisting on 28 Apr 1943. Physical description at time he entered service: 5'10" tall, 155 lbs, blond hair, blue eyes, freckled. Listed as lightly wounded in action with F Company at Rapido River, 16 Jan 1944. Purple Heart. Released from service on 23 Nov 1945. Died 6 Jul 1999 in Lebanon, Oregon.
---------
Battle notes for PFC Woodsie Gibbs, written by Evelyn Park Blalock, compiled from notes and remembrances of Dennis F. Blalock, C.O. of Fox Corps. Please do not publish elsewhere without providing full and proper credit. Thank you.
During World War II, PFC Woodsie Gibbs served with Fox Corps, 141st Infantry, 36th Division, U.S. Army (T-Patchers). Here is a glimpse into two missions during his service.
On 16 Jan 1944, PFC Gibbs was wounded in action while serving with Fox Corps during the Rapido River conflict, a particularly bloody and horrific event. The American forces were outnumbered and poorly supplied for this assault. Crossing the fast-flowing Rapido River with insufficient munitions, and the promise of backup forces that never arrived, many men were eventually forced into hand-to-hand or bayonet combat with the enemy. Some units suffered nearly 100% mortality, and no soldier escaped without the scars of this battle. It was arguably one of the greatest defeats in American military history. After the war, many men from the 36th Division, including their commanding officer, petitioned the U.S. Congress to investigate the politicized decisions of General Mark Clark that led so many men needlessly to their deaths. More information about this campaign, including documentation of PFC Gibbs' injury there, can be found in the excellent book, "A River Swift and Deadly," by Lee Carraway Smith. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
In late April 1945, Fox Corps, including PFC Gibbs, moved forward to attack a Nazi battalion command post that was guarding a Kaufering subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp system at or near Hurlach, France (near Landsberg).
Instructions for the mission were as follows (translated from the tactical notes of C.O. Dennis F. Blalock): Move light and fast. Bring no kitchens, 2 blankets, 1 munitions BAR, wools, and carry fatigues. Deploy at 8 o'clock with three trucks and no lights. Keep guns out. Objective is to overtake a Nazi battalion command post (Bn CP) guarding 800 Jewish prisoners.
At this point in the war, the BAR usually referred to an individual weapon rather than a team. The Browning could be carried and operated by one soldier, so they weren't using the designated "gunner, spotter, loader" plan or working like a .30 Browning LMG team. This allowed all men to fire as needed and didn't load any soldier down with excessive magazines as supply for the other soldiers (i.e., faster and more flexible movement). There were no spare barrels to carry and the gun didn't need a tripod; however, this plan left no backup to supply more munitions to soldiers who had expended their supply and also did not provide for spotters.
Their mission was successful and they liberated approximately 800 Jewish prisoners. After overtaking the enemy, the troops began administering aid to the freed prisoners, many of whom were diminished to almost skeletal form. The swastika that flew overhead was pulled down and the American flag was raised. At full strength, Fox Corps would have included about 150 men. The platoon members that initially entered the stronghold with C.O. Dennis F. Blalock, including PFC Gibbs, had the privilege of signing the captured battle flag. For a full list of those who signed, please visit the virtual cemetery.
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