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Submitted: 6/1/16 • Approved: 6/20/16 • Last Updated: 4/14/18 • R792340-G0-S3
28 Jan 1920 Denton, Pemiscot, MO
5 Jan 1945 Italy
Parents:
George Thomas Gifford (1889 - 1961)
Claudia Inman Gifford (1897 - 1984)
The Steele Enterprise, Steele, Missouri
Thursday, February 8, 1945
SSgt Harry Gifford, 24, was killed in action in Northern Italy, January 5, 1945, the War Department informs his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Gifford, Rt. 2. In a letter written to them by the Chaplain, it was said that "he was killed instantly by enemy mortar fire. At the time of death Harry was directing his squad into a defensive firing position preparing for an enemy counter-attack."
Sgt. Gifford left in 1941 with the National Guard Co. A, and has been in combat duty overseas since July 5, 1944. He was serving with Gen. Clark's 5th Army and was eligible for Distinguished Service Cross, which will be presented to his parents. He attended Steele school and was well known and liked by everyone.
Sgt. Gifford is survived by his parents and two brothers: Lloyd and G.W. Gifford, all of Steele.
The Steele Enterprise, Steele, Missouri
Thursday, July 19, 1945
In a letter recently received from the War Department by Mr. and Mrs. George T. Gifford, it was announced that their son, SSgt. Harry F. Gifford, killed in action in Northern Italy January 5, 1945, had been awarded the Silver Star posthumously.
The citation is as follows: "For gallantry in action on 16 Oct 1944, near C. Fiume, Italy, Staff Sergeant Gifford, as acting squad leader, was instructed to lead his squad in taking a large house, located on the forward slope of a barren hill. Despite intense enemy artillery and mortar fire and lack of cover, they quickly approached to within 75 years of the building. Staff Sergeant Gifford then ordered his squad to cover him with fire as he crawled toward the house. As he neared a door, he saw it slowly close. Realizing that there were probably Germans inside, Staff Sergeant Gifford crawled along the wall until he reached the door, and ordered them to surrender. Receiving no answer, he threw a grenade and three Germans came out. Gifford directed them to a spot approximately 20 yards from the house. Just then an artillery shell landed, killing one of the prisoners. The other two Germans immediately ran back into the building. Again Gifford ordered them out of the building and when no one came, he threw in two grenades. This time 19 Germans walked out and surrendered to him. Staff Sergeant Gifford's indomitable courage, combat skill and unselfish attitude to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the Infantry and the Army of the United States."
The decoration will be forwarded to the Commanding General, Seventh Service Command, Omaha, Nebr., who will select an officer to make the presentation.
The Steele Enterprise, Steele, Missouri
Thursday, August 2, 1945
Captain Charles J. Berry of Weingarten, Mo., presented the Silver Star to Mr. and Mrs. George T. Gifford of Denton on behalf of their son, SSgt. Harry F. Gifford for gallantry in action.
The war department sent the award to Major Gen. C.H. Danielson, Commanding General of the 7th Service Command, Omaha, Nebr., and he in turn gave it to Major F.C. Kingsland of the Prisoner of War Camp, Weingarten, Mo., who designated Capt Berry to make the presentation.
The Steele Enterprise, Steele, Missouri
Friday, December 3, 1948
Funeral services for SSgt Harry F. Gifford were conducted at the Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon by the Rev. Marvin Niblack.
The Steele Memorial Post No. 7889 was in charge of the graveside services at the Mount Zion Cemetery.
SSgt Gifford was killed in action in Northern Italy January 5, 1945 at the age of 24 years.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.T. Gifford, Steele, Rt. 3, and two brothers, G.W. and Lloyd Gifford, both of Steele.
German Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Contributed on 6/1/16 by ttack37
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Record #: 792340