Gibson - Millard E. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Millard Edward Gibson was born in Greencastle October 28, 1900 and (died 15 Dec) 1918, aged 18 years one month 16 days. His childhood was spent in Greencastle, where he attended the public schools.  He was also a regular attendant of the Locust Street Sunday School.  He was a child who always made friends. Everyone who knew him loved him and he always met his friends with a smile which will never be forgotten by them.  From a small child Millard’s ambition was to become a sailor and in this past year he made several attempts to enter the navy and succeeded June 10, 1918. He was called to service July , 1918 being sent to Great Lakes naval training school where he remained a short time, being then moved to Hampton Roads, Va.  Later on he was stationed at Norfolk, Va and Monroe, Va. About a month ago he was sent to Brooklyn, NY. From the first of his sickness the family kept in close touch with his condition, the father making the trip east to see him after having received message of his serious illness. Since that time several messages have been sent and answers received.  Everything was done which could possibly be done, but despite all death took him away. He leaves to mourn his loss a mother, father and two sisters, Ethel and Dorine, several relatives and many friends, all of whom will feel deeply his going from our midst. The following letter was received from Millard’s commanding officer: “It is with deep regret that I must inform you of the passing away of your brave and patriotic son, Millard Edward Gibson, fireman, second class, USNRF.  He was a typical American who was loved by all of the officers and men associated with him, and everyone else who knew him. He quite often mentioned his family and friends.  He was admitted to this hospital from the receiving ship, Brooklyn, NY on Dec 5, 1918 and was immediately put under the treatment of the best specialists and every possible care and attention at our command was tendered him. With the best nursing and special care, however, he failed to respond and although for a time it appeared he would recover he gradually grew worse and passed away at 5:15 a.m. Dec 15, 1918 as the result of a severe case of lobar pneumonia.  Assuring you of my sympathy in your bereavement, which I feel sure will be softened by the thought that your gallant and loyal son gave his life to his country while serving it in the hour of its greatest need, I am very sincerely yours, GA Lung, Capt. MCUS Navy in command.”