James W. Gilbert Jr.

Serious wounds which he receied in France on August 8, caused the death of T-5 James W. Gilbert, Jr., on the following day, his father J. W. Gilbert, Gettysburg R.1, formerly of New Oxford, was notified by the War Department by telegram Sunday evening. Mr Gilbert received the first telegram stating that his son was seriously wounded Tuesday aweek.
T-5 Gilbert who was 28 years old, was one of the three sons in the Gilbert family serving in France. Letters were received last week from both of the others, Sgt. John Gilbert and T-5 Charles Gilbert.
“Jim” Gilbert-a likeable chap with a host of friends- was a radio operator with an armored infantry unit and had gone to France from England early this month.

Sunday evening’s telegram follows: “The Secretary of War asks that I assure you of his deep symphaty in the loss of your son, Technician Fifth Grade James W. Gilbert, Jr. Report received status he died 9 August in Frnace as result of wounds received in action. Letter follows,” The message was signed by J. A. Ulio, the adjutant general.

Gilbert was the husband of Mrs. Helen Irene (Benson) Gilbert, of Gettysburg, now a member of the nursing staff at the Warner Hospital. They were married on Christmay Day, 1941, and resided in Gettysburg until Gilbert’s induction in 1942. He and his wife were classmates at Gettysburg high school graduating in 1934. He attended Gettysburg college for one year and was engaged in the dry cleaning and pressing business with his father on Chambersburg street, Gettysburg.

Gilbert has an uncle, Major Levi Gilbert, who is also serving overseas. James Gilbert’s brothers had met in France and both knew that James also was with forces on the continent although as far as in known they had not met him in France. John serves with the engineers and Charles with a maintenance unit. The deceased is survived by his widow and parents, J. W. and Nora G. (Baker) Gilbert, two brothers in France and a sister, Miss Frances Gilbert who is a school teacher in Cumberland township and resides with her parents.