News Summary
Technical Sergeant Clarence E. Gibbs, a World War II airman whose remains were missing for decades, has been identified. He will be honored with a graveside service in Clinton, where his community is set to pay tribute to his bravery and sacrifice during the war.
Clinton – U.S. Army Air Forces Technical Sergeant Clarence E. Gibbs, a World War II airman whose remains were missing for decades, has finally been identified and is scheduled to be laid to rest in Clinton. Gibbs was killed during a bombing mission over Germany on December 29, 1944, and is being honored by his community with a graveside service planned for Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Clarence E. Gibbs was a Charlotte native born in the 1920s. He joined the army in February 1943 and served with the 3681 Bombardment Squadron. During a dangerous mission in the later stages of World War II, his aircraft was shot down over the city of Bingen, Germany. Although he initially survived the crash, Gibbs was subsequently killed in the nearby town of Kamp-Bornhofen. For many years, his remains remained unaccounted for, leaving his family and community without closure.
In a breakthrough over the years of uncertainty, Gibbs’ family took the initiative to submit DNA to Ancestry, a decision that ultimately played a crucial role in his identification. This effort underscored the advances in technology that have aided in finding missing service members and providing their families with answers they have waited decades for.
On Friday afternoon, Gibbs’ remains finally arrived at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport around 7:45 PM. In a solemn ceremony, his casket was lowered from the plane, draped in an American flag, which serves as a symbol of honor and respect for his service and sacrifice. The community response was heartwarming, with hundreds of onlookers lining the roadside in Clinton to pay their respects. Many families held signs and saluted as the procession made its way toward Clinton. American flags adorned both sides of I-385, creating a backdrop of patriotism and remembrance.
Currently, Gibbs’ remains are at Gray Funeral Home in Clinton, where preparations are underway for the upcoming graveside service. The service scheduled for July 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM will include Full Military Honors, recognizing Gibbs’ bravery and dedication during World War II. The community is invited to attend, giving everyone a chance to collectively honor his memory and the sacrifice he made for his country.
The identification and return of Clarence E. Gibbs’ remains mark a significant moment for both his family and the local community. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless service members during World War II and the importance of honoring their legacies. As the country prepares to pay tribute, the story of Technical Sergeant Gibbs adds another chapter to the history of service, loss, and remembrance in America.
In conclusion, the journey of Clarence E. Gibbs from a missing airman to being laid to rest reflects the ongoing efforts to bring closure to families of service members who sacrificed their lives for freedoms endured in wartime. His identification stands as a testament to the enduring impact of history, technology, and community solidarity in remembering those who served.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: WWII Soldier’s Remains Land Back in the United States
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Fox Carolina: Remains of WWII Soldier Return Home
- Google Search: WWII Soldier Remains Return
- Post and Courier: WWII Pilot Memorial in Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: World War II
- Vintage Aviation News: Memorial Day Tribute
- Google News: WWII Pilot
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
