World War II Honoree

Robert Petty Gibson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Hampton, New Jersey

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Relationship

A Grateful American

He was drafted into the US Army in March 1943 and was assigned to the 116th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Battery 'A' . Sent to England in October 1943 and trained to be a M4 High-Speed tractor driver. In June 6, 1944, he and his unit, attached to the 1st Army, made their way to Utah Beach landing in the second wave. He drove the M4 tractor with Gomm AA guns engaging the enemy day and night. He continued to serve through Normandy, France. In the Battle of the Bulge their mission was to use guns against tanks and armored vehicles instead of planes. He continued on into Germany and across the Rhine River and Battery A was there when Germany surrendered in May 1945. Discharged December 6, 1945.