Marine Staff Sergeant Chesley George Gilbert

Fought in World War II and Korean War

Marine Staff Sergeant Chesley George Gilbert first enlisted in the military in 1932. He fought through most of the South Pacific in World War II and was one of the first Marines to be ordered into the Korean War Zone following the outbreak of hostilities there. Born on March 3, 1910, was the son of George and Beulah Gilbert of Griffin and was called “Chet” by his friends. Chesley was the oldest of four children.

A sister, Jackie was born on March 14, 1916 in Griffin when Chelsey was six years old. His brother Captain Douglas Lamar was born on May 3, 1918 in Griffin when Chesley was eight years old. Another sister, Beatrice, was born in 1924 in Griffin when Chesley was 14 years old.

In a telegram, a buddy of “Gil’s” tells the story. “When we went on missions, Gil went in front. He’s never asked a man to go any place he wouldn’t go himself…he’s a good guy with ‘guts.’ Between campaigns Gilbert found time to pitch his regimental baseball team to the championship of First Division.”

The telegram continues, “He has been in service in China, Nicaragua, Honolulu, Guam and the Philippines, in addition to his two-year tour in the Pacific. ‘Stateside is going to feel like foreign duty,’ he quipped, ‘but it’ll sure seem good.’ “ (Gilbert said in the telegram).

Chet served as a Marine in both wars.

A telegram sent to the family notes, “SOMEWHERE IN THE PACIFIC….Marine Staff Sgt. Chesley Gilbert added luster to a 12 year (Marine Corps) career. A squad leader in an assault platoon, it was Gilbert’s job to direct ‘Bazooka’ rocket launchers in demolishing pillboxes, dugouts and blockhouses where enemy installations impeded the advance of Marines. When not engaged in killing Japs within their own strongholds, Gilbert volunteered for night duty in carrying machine gun and mortar ammunition to the front lines through dense jungle growth.

“On one trip to the front lines on the night of D-day under enemy fire, the six-foot, three-inch, 200-pound former Griffin ball player was draped with 10 belts of machine gun cartridges, his shoulder sagging under the weight of six mortar shells, while hand grenades filled his dungaree blouse.” It was later noted in the telegram the ammunition was “desperately needed.

Gilbert was mortally wounded when the Chinese Communist Army swarmed over the North Korean border along the Chosin Reservoir, Yudaim-Ni, Korea area. He died of these wounds on November 30, 1950.

In his remarkable career spanning two wars Gilbert’s dedication to his Country and the men he served with earned him, among many other citations, an amazing four Bronze Stars during WWII and three more in Korea as well as a Purple Heart.

A telegram to the family notifying them of the discovery of Gilbert’s remains was delivered, June 27, 1955, to the home along Route B, Box 9, Griffin. Directions for delivery noted the home was, “Across from Nightingale Truck Stop, Macon Road.”

Gilbert is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin. He left behind a wife, Minnie Lee Gilbert, and three sons.

Although Gilbert did not come home alive, a grateful community now honors our Hometown Hero. An individual plaque has been installed on the Chamber of Commerce, Griffin Welcome Center in Historic Downtown Griffin. The plaque is proudly sponsored by the Gilbert Family.