GARNER, GORDON

War struck again at the same family for the second time in less than a decade when Staff Sergeant Gordon Garner, 29, U.S. Marine Corps, was killed in action in Korea.

His father, Stanley S. Garner, widely known merchant and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, received a telegram yesterday at his home, 7109 Park Drive, Warwick County. It told of the death in action in Korea of his son Gordon.

The family had received a similar message in World War II, notifying him of the death of his son Selwyn.

The message from the commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps to Garner read:

“Deeply regret to inform you that your son, Staff Sergeant Gordon Garner, U.S.M.C., was killed in action 13 November 1950 in the Korean area in the performance of his duty and service of his country. No information at present regarding disposition of remains. Temporary burial in locality where death occurred probable. You will be promptly furnished any additional information received. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Letter follows.”

It was signed by General C. B. Cates, USMC, commandant of the Marine Corps.

Young Garner was born in Portsmouth, and graduated from a California high school. He entered the United States Marine Corps shortly after his graduation, served through World War II.

A year or so after his honorable discharge from the USMC, at the end of World War II, young Garner re-enlisted. He had been in the Corps since he graduated from high school, except for the interim following the war.

His immediate survivors are his father; and one sister, Mrs. Marty (Natalie) Katz. Mr. and Mrs. Katz and their son—a nephew of the late Sgt. Garner—live in Ossining, N.Y.

A number of relatives also survive on the Peninsula.

His death brought to six the number of men whose parents are Peninsulans.

He was a member of the Newport News Lodge No. 315 B. P. O. Elks; Braxton-Perkins Post 25 of the American Legion.