July 19, 2025

World War II Airman Returns Home for Burial

News Summary

Technical Sergeant Clarence E. Gibbs, a World War II airman, is returning to Clinton, South Carolina for burial 81 years after he died in action. His remains, recently identified, will be honored with a procession and a Full Military Honors burial at Pinelawn Memory Gardens. The community is invited to pay their respects as they escort Gibbs home.

Clinton, South Carolina – World War II airman U.S. Army Air Forces Technical Sergeant Clarence E. Gibbs is returning home to Clinton for burial, almost 81 years after he died in action. Gibbs served with the 3681 Bombardment Squadron during the war and is finally being laid to rest with honors after his remains were identified this year following decades of being missing.

Gibbs’ remains arrived at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport around 7:45 p.m. on a Friday. A procession of Patriot Guard Riders and law enforcement will escort Gibbs’ remains to Clinton via Interstate 385. The community has been invited to line roadsides and bridges along the route to pay their respects.

Following his return, Gibbs will be held at Gray Funeral Home of Clinton until his burial, which is scheduled for July 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Pinelawn Memory Gardens, where he will receive Full Military Honors.

Born in the 1920s in Charlotte, North Carolina, Gibbs enlisted in the Army in February 1943. He served as a top turret gunner and flight engineer on a B-17G “Flying Fortress” bomber during late 1944. His heroism earned him the Air Medal, recognizing his “exceptionally meritorious achievement” in combat.

On December 29, 1944, during a bombing mission over Bingen, Germany, Gibbs’ aircraft came under heavy anti-aircraft fire and was shot down. Although all nine crew members managed to bail out, only one was found dead by German forces. Five crew members were captured and later survived the war, but Gibbs and two others remained unaccounted for.

In the aftermath of the crash, an investigation was initiated by the American Graves Registration Command in 1946, but initial efforts to recover Gibbs’ remains were unsuccessful. By 1950, he was declared non-recoverable based on the evidence available at the time, which led to years of uncertainty for his family and loved ones.

Recent advancements in technology and the consequent research have dramatically changed the prospects for identifying missing servicemen. In 2013, documents discovered in a German state archive indicated that three airmen, including Gibbs, had been killed by SS troops after bailing out of their aircraft. This crucial information prompted further investigation into Gibbs’ fate.

In May 2021, remains believed to be those of Gibbs were excavated in Germany. Subsequent dental and DNA analysis verified the identity of his remains. In honor of his service, a rosette will be placed next to his name at the Walls of the Missing in Lorraine American Cemetery in France, signifying that he has been accounted for after decades of ambiguity.

His upcoming burial in Clinton offers a much-awaited closure for the community, as well as a solemn tribute to a brave airman who sacrificed his life for his country. Local residents and veterans organizations are expected to gather in support, honoring Gibbs’ legacy and ensuring he receives the full recognition he deserves.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER 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.