State Rep. Charles Ferraro (CT 117) assisted U.S. Senator Dick Blumenthal in presenting a flag that was flown over the US Capitol in honor of the military service of the Gilbert brothers of West Haven on Wednesday, July 5. Additionally, the two legislators presented the Korean Peace Medal to Edward Kiczyinski. The ceremony was held at the West Haven Veteran’s Museum & Learning Center located at 30 Hood Terrace, West Haven, CT.
The flag presentation was given to the Gilbert family of West Haven because of what could be termed, “A Tale of Two Brothers.”
Terrance R. Gilbert entered the U. S. Navy on Nov. 1, 1943. He was assigned to the USS Richard S. Bull, DE 402, a John C. Butler Destroyer Escort Ship with the rank of Radarman Second Class. The USS Richard S. Bull and its crew participated in several invasions: Morotai – Sep.1944; Second Battle of the Philippines – Sept 1944; Leyte – Oct. 1944; Luzon – Jan. 1945; Iwo Jima – Feb. 1945 and Okinawa – March 1945.
Terrance was awarded the American theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with 5 stars, Philippine liberation Ribbon with two stars and the Victory Medal. Terrance was honorably discharged on April 10, 1946. He returned to West Haven, raised a family and made a career at the Armstrong Rubber Company;
Lt. James W. Gilbert was the brother of Terrance R. Gilbert. He entered Pennsylvania Military College, Chester, PA in 1940. James graduated officer candidate class 1st Co., Third Student Training Regiment, Infantry School, September 5, 1944, Fort Benning, GA. as a Second Lieutenant. When he was activated he was assigned to the 70th Infantry Division, 276th Infantry Regiment Unit where he was engaged in the European Theatre.
On Feb. 8, 1946, James was officially declared Missing in Action. He is the only known MIA from West Haven during World War II. James is listed at the Tablets of the Missing at Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold, France. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, American Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.
Also the ceremony included presenting a Korean Peach Medal to Edward Kiczyinski who proudly served his country during the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1952. This medal is presented to American Soldiers who by performing their duties help restore and preserve freedom and democracy in South Korea. Ed served for 7 years in Japan and Korea. He served as a mechanic on P-51 Mustangs in the 39th Fighter Squadron. Ed was discharged in 1953.