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MSG. Robert L. Gibson, US Army SF (RET), passed away on Feb. 10, 2011.
He was born on May 16, 1927 to Lacy & Mary Gibson.
When he was 16 he signed
up for the draft. He was drafted and turned 18 while serving in Germany
during WWII. He stayed in the Army, and became a Paratrooper with
Special Forces. He was the youngest Paratrooper in the 17th Airborne
according to "Thunder From Heaven". He served in WWII, Korea, and 3
tours to Viet Nam. He served in various outfits including: 17th Airborne
Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 508th Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team,
187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, 7th
Special Forces, 5th Special Forces, and the 10th Special Forces. He was
a survivor of Camp Au Shau, Viet Nam. During his military career, he was
awarded the Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts, and 2 Bronze Stars among
numerous other medals.
When he retired from the
Army, he moved to Reno, NV, where he was Chief of Security at the
Holiday Hotel & Casino in downtown Reno.
Preceding him in death
were his parents, brother, Harvey Gibson, sister, Helen Stephenson.
Surviving family members include his daughters, Daela V Gibson of Reno,
Eileen Habermas of Lynchburg, VA, son, Robert L Gibson, Jr. of Reno, NV,
his widow, Darleen Gibson of Reno, NV. Also surviving 3 grandchildren,
Jennifer Holofchak, Ricky Holofchak, and James Holofchak, all of
Lynchburg, Va., 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
"Gib" was loved and respected by his "troops", his co-workers and family
and will be greatly missed.
There will be a "potluck" Memorial Service at the National Guard Armory
in Stead on July 23rd, 2011 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Anyone bringing a
dish please call "Gib's" niece, KJ Johnson at 775-677-0830.
Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on July 17, 2011
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