World War II Honoree

Paul James Gibson

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Roanoke, Virginia

Honored By

James T. Gibson

Relationship

Son

WENT TO BOOT CAMP AT BAINBRIDGE, MARYLAND. SERVED ABOARD THE USS YORKTOWN UNTIL DISCHARGED. ENTERED NAVY AS A WATERTENDER 3RD CLASS, PROMOTED WHILE SERVING ON YORKTOWN TO CHIEF WATER TENDER WHEN ALL SENIOR ENLISTED WERE KILLED IN ENGINE ROOM BLAST (BACK THEN YOU HAD TO HOLD THE RANK FOR THREE YEARS TO RETAIN THE RANK). RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING MEDALS AND RIBBONS: COMBAT ACTION RIBBON WITH GOLD FRAME; NAVY PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION WITH BRONZE STAR; NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL; AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL; ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 SILVER STARS; WWII VICTORY MEDAL; PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION WITH BRONZE STAR; PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH BRONZE STAR; AND PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE MEDAL.