Military Veterans
Gilbert L. Widick
Date of Birth
NA December 1920
Date of Death
28 July 1943
Brick Location
Liberty Side
Panel Number
13A
Biography
Staff Sergeant Gilbert L. Widick served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II—from 4 September 1942 until he was killed in action (KIA) over Holland on 28 July 1943.
Gilbert's sister, Freida Widick, of Benton, KS, writes the following account of her brother's military experiences:
SSGT Gilbert L. Widick entered military service 4 September 1942 and joined the Army Air Corps. Enroute overseas he, together with his fellow crew members, flew low over Benton (KS) in their B-17 (flying fortress) buzzing Gilbert's home town.
They were with the 8th Air Force and stationed in England.
On 28 July 1943, after completing several daylight missions and penetrating farther into Germany than ever before, they were overtaken by German fighter planes on their return to England. Their plane was hit by shrapnel and exploded in the air. Three of the 10 crew members survived by parachuting and were taken prisoners. Gilbert was a tail gunner and could not eject, going down with the plan over Vries, Holland.
Rinnie Haadsma, of Vries, supervised burial of the seven boys in the local cemetery and contacted all next of kin through the Red Cross when the war was over. Gilbert's body was eventually brought home and buried in Benton, KS, cemetery.
Branch:
U.S. Army Air Corps
Awards and Medals
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Years
World War II—4 September 1942 - 28 July 1943—KIA
Duty
B-17 Tail Gunner. 8th Air Force. Stationed in England.