Gilbert, Billy, SSG

 I created this profile for my father Billy Bruce Gilbert.  I'm David and a member of TWS Marine Corps website.  My family and I are extremly proud of Dad and his service.  Unfortunately there isn't much in the way of Military Records regarding his service as his and a great many other Korean War Veterans were burnt in a fire in 1973. 

Dad never talked much about the war and what he did share was very little.  Dad entered the U.S. Army following his graduation from High School in 1948 from Flint Northern High School in Flint Michigan.  He was originally sent through Paratrooper School but was washed-out because of nose bleeds.  He had Boxed Golden Gloves in High School and had his nose broken a few different times which resulted in the nose bleeds afterward at higher elevations.  As a result he was reassigned to the 8th Army's, 25^th Infantry Division, 64th Field Artillery Battalion "The Lancers"  following a short stint with the 5th Army.  He spent nearly all of his enlistment in Korea and was extended another year and a half during the war. 

 

After leaving Korea Dad returned to the U.S. with Malaria and spent a considerable amount of time healing up from that.  In Michigan afterward he and mom (Annabelle Toles) whoâ??s love for one another endured the absence created by the war - eloped.    He initially worked for a Heating and Cooling company here in Flint called Dee Cramer as a Steamfitter.  Afterward he eventually hired into General Motors as a Skilled Trades Pipefitter at Chevrolet Manufacturing in Flint . 

 

Aside from myself as the youngest, I have a sister Nancy and brother Gary.  Mom and Dad had endured the death's of four of our siblings prior to my birth.  Two sets of twins, Ronald and Donald died at birth and William and Thomas at three months.  Dad retired after 34 years with General Motors having served a considerable amount of that time as a Committeeman for his Union, UAW Local 659.  Dad's favorite past time was socializing with friends and family, playing Cards, Bowling, Billiards, Snowmobiling and sitting outside our cottage in Cheboygan, Michigan beside a Bon Fire with a drink in hand.  He and Mom had 5 Grandchildren; Shannon, Krista, Shane, Kara & Chelsea. 

Dad died on October 19, 2000 as a result of an Acute Myocardial Infarction after contacting Pneumonia.