News Summary
Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs, a U.S. Army Air Forces airman missing since World War II, has finally returned home for burial in Clinton, South Carolina. Gibbs, who served in the 3681 Bombardment Squadron and was engaged in a mission over Germany in 1944, was declared missing after his aircraft was struck. His remains were identified earlier this year, providing closure for his family after decades of uncertainty. Community members are invited to honor him during the funeral service, which will include Full Military Honors.
Clinton, South Carolina – Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs, a U.S. Army Air Forces airman killed during World War II, has returned home for burial more than 81 years after he was declared missing in action. His remains were identified earlier this year, shedding light on a case that has remained unresolved for decades.
Gibbs served with the 3681 Bombardment Squadron and was engaged in a combat mission over Bingen, Germany, on December 29, 1944, when his aircraft was struck. Although all nine crew members managed to bail out, Gibbs and two others remained unaccounted for following the incident. After years of uncertainty, his remains were found during excavations in May 2021 at a site thought to be a burial place for airmen who had parachuted to safety.
His remains arrived at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport on Friday at approximately 7:45 p.m. They will be escorted to Clinton via I-385 by the Patriot Guard Riders and law enforcement personnel. Community members are encouraged to show their support by lining roadsides and bridges alongside the route.
Once in Clinton, Gibbs will be held at Gray Funeral Home until his funeral service, which is scheduled for July 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Pinelawn Memory Gardens. He will receive Full Military Honors during the burial service, recognizing his exemplary service and sacrifice.
Background and Historical Context
Clarence E. Gibbs was originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. He enlisted in the Army in February 1943, where he served diligently and was later awarded the Air Medal for his exceptional performance as a top turret gunner and flight engineer. His life and service became part of a lengthy investigation that began in 1946, following the war.
Despite exhaustive efforts to locate him, Gibbs was ultimately declared non-recoverable in 1950 due to a lack of information about his fate. For years, his family and community were left in uncertainty, grappling with the loss of a loved one and hero.
In 2013, researchers from the Department of Defense discovered pivotal documents that provided clarity on the fate of airmen who had bailed out near Kamp-Bornhofen. This significant finding rekindled hopes for closure for Gibbs’ family. Following this, further investigations and excavations were conducted, leading to the important discovery of remains associated with Gibbs in May 2021.
Identification Process
The identification of Gibbs was a complex endeavor involving dental analysis, DNA analysis, and anthropological assessments. These scientific methods played a crucial role in confirming his identity after over eight decades of uncertainty.
Additionally, a rosette will be placed next to Gibbs’ name at the Walls of the Missing at the Lorraine American Cemetery in France, symbolizing his valor and the dedication of his grateful nation to honor his sacrifice.
As the community prepares to welcome home their fallen hero, the return of Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by many brave service members during the tumultuous years of World War II.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: WWII Soldier Being Laid to Rest
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Fox Carolina: Remains of WWII Soldier Return Home
- Google Search: Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs
- WSOC TV: Charlotte WWII Airman Accounted for Nearly 80 Years Later
- Encyclopedia Britannica: World War II
- WYFF4: WWII Soldier’s Remains Land Back in the U.S.
- Google News: Clarence E. Gibbs
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.
