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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

SSG James Arlon Gilbert

SSG James Arlon Gilbert was born 19 Jan 1923 in Decatur, Illinois to John Henry and Viola May (Coats) Gilbert. His father worked as a machinist for a railroad.  His parents divorced and his mother re-married.

When drafted in December 1942, James was working in metal fabrication.   Sent to England, James was assigned to C Company 116th Infantry.  We think it likely that he participated in the D-Day amphibious assault. Sometime around 15 Jul 1944 he was wounded and evacuated to the hospital.  He was returned to the unit via the replacement depot on 5 Sep 1944.  PFC Gilbert was promoted to SSG on 11 Sep 1944.  SSG Gilbert was killed in action on 14 Sep 1944.

SSG Gilbert is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

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