July 16, 2025

Identification of WWII Veteran’s Remains Brings Closure

News Summary

The remains of Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs, a WWII veteran from Charlotte, have been identified after over 80 years. Gibbs, who served on a B-17G bombing mission in 1944, will receive a military burial in 2025. His identification culminated from genetic testing after being missing for decades. The family expressed relief and highlighted the importance of DNA submissions for families of fallen soldiers. His legacy will be honored with medals and recognition at local memorials.

Charlotte, NC — The remains of Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs, a World War II veteran from Charlotte, have been identified after more than 80 years. Gibbs, who was part of a B-17G “Flying Fortress” bombing mission in late 1944, will be honored with a military burial scheduled for July 26, 2025, at Pinelawn Memorial Garden in Clinton. This significant event comes after a lengthy investigation into his disappearance following a dangerous mission over German-occupied territory.

During the bombing mission, Gibbs and eight crew members came under attack by German fighters, leading to an emergency bailout. While one crew member was found deceased and five were taken as prisoners of war, Gibbs and two others remained unaccounted for for decades. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) began its efforts to locate the missing soldiers, focusing on various crash and burial sites.

In March 2025, advances in genetic testing proved critical in identifying Gibbs’ remains, which had been discovered in a burial site located in Kamp-Bornhofen Cemetery, Germany. This identification was made possible when Ann Gillespie, a relative of Gibbs, submitted DNA to Ancestry.com during her family history research. Over the years, Gillespie received updates from the DPAA and was astonished to learn that her family member’s remains had finally been located.

Reports indicate that Gibbs was likely killed shortly after capture, potentially by other prisoners seeking to take their possessions. His remains are set to be returned to his family for a proper military burial, which will include a formal escort led by the Patriot Guard Riders and local law enforcement upon arrival at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport on July 18, 2025, at approximately 7 PM.

Additionally, the U.S. military is providing Gibbs’ family with the medals he would have earned during his service, which will be displayed in a custom shadow box. This shadow box will be showcased in the Hall of Heroes at the Laurens County Courthouse for 12 months, honoring Gibbs’ legacy as a fallen soldier. His name will also be marked on the Walls of the Missing at the Lorraine American Cemetery in France, with a rosette placed next to it to signify that he has been accounted for.

The identification of Gibbs brings a sense of closure for his family after decades of uncertainty regarding his fate. Gillespie underscores the importance of submitting DNA for families of fallen soldiers, as it can play a pivotal role in reconnecting with loved ones lost in conflict. With the upcoming funeral and memorial events, the family looks forward to bringing Clarence Gibbs home and finally laying him to rest.

The recognition and honoring of soldiers like Gibbs is essential in preserving the memory and sacrifice made during pivotal moments in history, and his story serves as a reminder of the resilience of families waiting for long-awaited answers.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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.