Harry F. Gifford, aged 24, was born on January 8, 1920. He was the son of George Thomas Gifford and Claudia Inman Gifford. Sgt. Gifford left home in 1941 with the National Guard Co. A, and was n in combat duty overseas starting on July 5, 1944. He served with 363rd Infantry, 91st Infantry Division. Harry was killed instantly by enemy mortar fire during the battle in northern Italy. At the time of death Harry was directing his squad into a defensive firing position preparing for an enemy counter-attack. He died on January 5, 1945 and is now buried in the Mount Zion Cemetery, Steele, Pemiscot County, Missouri, USA. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously.