July 27, 2025

Remembering Heroism: Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs Laid to Rest

News Summary

Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs, a U.S. Army Air Forces veteran, was finally laid to rest after 80 years following his disappearance during WWII. His remains were identified, and a funeral service was held with full military honors, attended by family, friends, and community members. The ceremony highlighted the community’s respect and admiration for his sacrifice, echoing the bravery of countless service members from the Greatest Generation.

Clinton, S.C. — U.S. Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs was laid to rest on July 26, 2025, after a remarkable journey that took 80 years to complete. Gibbs, who served as a top turret gunner on a B-17G “Flying Fortress,” was reported missing in action on December 29, 1944, following the downing of his aircraft over Bingen, Germany, amid heavy anti-aircraft fire during a bombing mission. His remains were identified earlier this year, providing closure to his family and honoring his sacrifice during World War II.

The funeral service was conducted with Full Military Honors at Pinelawn Memory Gardens, where friends, family, and community members gathered to pay their final respects. Gibbs’ remains arrived at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport on the evening of the preceding Friday, marked by a ceremonial casket draped in an American flag as it was lowered from the plane.

As a gesture of community support, local residents were invited to line the roadsides and bridges along the route taken by the Patriot Guard Riders and law enforcement, who escorted Gibbs’ remains to Clinton along Interstate 385. Hundreds of onlookers turned out, displaying American flags and signs, saluting as the procession passed.

Clarence E. Gibbs was born in the 1920s in Charlotte, North Carolina. He enlisted in the Army in February 1943, eager to serve his country in the midst of the global conflict. At just 21 years old, he was part of the brave crew operating the B-17G, a heavy bomber that played a vital role in the Allied war effort. Despite surviving the crash of his aircraft, it is believed that Gibbs was subsequently killed in Kamp-Bornhofen, Germany.

For decades, Gibbs’ fate remained uncertain until recent advancements in forensic technology and genealogy helped identify his remains. His family, recognizing the importance of the quest to find him, had submitted their DNA to Ancestry, a decision that ultimately played a crucial role in confirming his identity this year. The U.S. Army reached out to Gibbs’ great-niece, Anne Gillespie, with the news that their beloved uncle had finally been located.

Gibbs’ story is emblematic of the many young men and women whose bravery during World War II remains honored and remembered. The respect and admiration exhibited by the community of Clinton during his funeral underline the enduring legacy of those who served and the high cost of freedom. The lengthy period before Gibbs could be laid to rest stands in stark contrast to the immediacy with which many returned home after the war.

His passing into eternal rest serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by countless service members. As families continue to uncover and remember the stories of their ancestors through DNA technology, the legacy of courage and dedication that characterized the Greatest Generation persists and inspires those who follow in their footsteps.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

WWII Airman Clarence E. Gibbs to be Laid to Rest
Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs Returns Home After 81 Years
Identification of WWII Veteran’s Remains Brings Closure
Remains of WWII Airman Identified After 81 Years

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.