Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association

Wilson O. Gabbard

Photo taken at Camp Butner, N.C., 1942

WILSON O. GABBARD was born June 12, 1912, the son of Wilson Gabbard and Matilda Williams. He married Betty S. Bowman Gabbard.

Wilson was a graduate of Eastern KY University (BS, MA, Rank I); He was a teacher and Principal of the Owsley County High School until his retirement in 1977, and a farmer.

Military Service: Four years in the National Guard; Tech Sgt. WW II, U. S. Army, (1942-1945). European Theater of Operations in the First Army, Amphibious Engineers, 6th Special Brigade, 60th Medical Battalion, 500th Medical Collecting Army.

Campaigns:
1. Normandy Invasion
2. Northern France
3. Rhineland
4. Central Europe.

He was awarded four Battle Stars, Bronze Arrowhead, Presidential Unit Citation.

Wilson was Past Commander, American Legion of Owsley County. Residence Upper Buffalo and Booneville.

Religious affiliation: Presbyterian.

Sports: Football 6 years in high school (7-12) at Buckhorn, (Witherspoon College), and 4 years at Eastern Kentucky University.

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