A Charlotte airman was killed in WWII. His remains were identified 81 years later

A Defense Department agency has identified the remains of a World War II airman from Charlotte 81 years after he went missing in action. The announcement was made on Friday, which happened to coincide with the anniversary of D-Day. U.S. Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs was accounted for in March, and his family was recently briefed on his identification, according to the agency. In late 1944, Gibbs was assigned to the 368th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group, 1st Bombardment Division, 8th Air Force. While serving, Gibbs received the Air Medal for “exceptionally meritorious achievement,” according to a newspaper report provided by the Defense Department. That report described him as the top turret gunner and flight engineer. His duties were to “protect his aircraft from enemy fighter attack to maintain the mechanical efficiency of the giant bomber in flight,” the report said.

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-06-06/charlotte-airman-killed-wwii-remains-years-18038267.html