Gerber, Wilbert George

Other Events:

• Military Service: Between 1943 and 1946

Notes:

Birth:
He preferred to use his middle name, George, and was sometimes referred to as "George W." Gerber.

Military Service:
George enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 4 January 1943 at St. Louis, Missouri and was separated from the service with an honorable discharge on 26 December 1946 at Great Lakes, Illinois. He held the rating of motor machinist's mate second class. George was awarded the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon (4 stars), World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 star), and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. The citation for the latter reads:

     "For heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. ZUNI, during Salvage Operations in the Pacific Ocean Area, March 7, 1945. Quick to act when an LST in the process of being salvaged started to capsize, GERBER boldly entered a flooded compartment in which an office wearing heavy shallow-water diving gear was trapped and, at great personal risk, assisted in hauling him clear of danger. His courage under extremely hazardous conditions was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."


Buried:
George's grave is in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Section EE, Grave 169.

Wilbert married Valenti, Concetta 23 Jun 1956. Concetta was born 30 Jul 1925; died 16 Oct 1978. [Group Sheet]