O'Brien County Bell, 30 May 1947, p. 1
Union Memorial Services Held
Calvin Gipson, S 1/c Honored by Legion
[article accompanied by portrait photograph of Calvin Gipson]
Reverend C. N. McMillan delivered an excellent Memorial Sunday sermon to an attentive audience at the Congregational church last Sunday. He included recollections of Memorial days in the past and included interesting comparisons.
Appropriate music and prayer served as a background for the special service in memory of Calvin Gipson, Seaman 1/c. This impressive service in the hands of Rev. Marvin Williams, pastor of the church of Seaman Gipson's choice included the following obituary:
Seaman First Class Calvin Gipson, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gipson, was born at Terril, Iowa, November 2, 1924. Having moved to Primghar where he attended school, Calvin graduated from high school with the class of 1943 and in July following his graduation he enlisted with the United States Navy and received training at the following places: Boot training at Farragut, Idaho; Machinist School at Pier, Ill.; Philadelphia Swimming School and San Diego Flying School where he graduated as an Aerial Gunner. Upon his graduation as a gunner he was assigned to the 119 Patrol Bomber Squadron and was sent to the Pacific Zone of action.
It was in this South Pacific Area that he gave his life in the line of duty. Truly he died that others might live.
As a boy Calvin took a very active interest in boy scout work, an interest he never lost. He was a member of the Congregational church, uniting on April 17, 1936.
He leaves in the immediate family, his mother and father, three sisters, Mrs. Elmer Mast, Mrs. Dorothy Malloy, and Betty; one brother, Harold who is also in the service of his country.
Since his death, Mr. and Mrs. Gipson received word from his commanding officer commending him for gallantry and close attention to duty. The following letter from his commanding officer, M. S. Ragan, tells of the recovery of his body and of the military honors accorded him.
Dear Mrs. Gipson:
Recently we have learned that the body of your son, Calvin, was recovered by the Chinese. His body was taken several miles inland to a place the identity and location of which we cannot disclose. Calvin was buried in an American cemetery. A very impressive military funeral attended both by Chinese and American military personnel was held. We thought you would like this additional information.
The moccasins you sent your son were received after his death. Rather than return them they were sold at an auction held by the squadron. A money order is enclosed. Also enclosed are a number of pictures found among Calvin's personal effects.
Sincerely,
M. S. Ragan
Lt. Comdr. USNR,
Commanding Officer
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[Calvin Gipson remains are buried in:
Golden Gate National Cemetery
San Bruno, San Mateo County
California, USA
Plot: Section H Site 1656]
Transcribed by Alan Nicholson