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.

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• WCNC: Charlotte Airport Delays Due to Thunderstorms
• Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
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• Charlotte Observer: Weather News Update
• Google Scholar: Charlotte Airports Delays
• Count on 2: Charlotte Hornets Game Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte Hornets
• Charlotte Observer: Severe Weather Alerts
• Google News: Charlotte Storm Updates

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.