GIBSON, WALTER V., JR.
Pfc. Walter V. Gibson Jr., 20, who joined the Marines with three schoolmates in February, !942 to “take a crack at the Japs was listed as dead [November 23, 1943] today in a Navy Department casualty report.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Gibson, 3908 Walnut Street.
Gibson, who won All-City honors while playing football for Roosevelt High School, joined the Marines “for quick action” with Thomas Leo Cleary of 341 Athol Avenue, listed as wounded a month ago; Cyrus Riley of 2184 Ransom Avenue and Juan Cole of 3743 Linda Vista Avenue.
Cleary, a cement technician, was on Wake Island when the Japs attacked on December 8, 1941, and was one of few to escape in a Pan American clipper. The ruthlessness of the Japanese bombardment stirred his anger and as a result he and the three other boys joined the Marines after his return here.
No details were given on the death of Gibson.