Gerard L. Rugers, Jr. was born on August 21, 1919. He was the son of Gerald and Collette Rugers. He resided in Pierce County, Washington prior to the war. He enlisted in the Army on May 4, 1942 in Tacoma, Washington. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed in a sawmill and also as Single, without dependents. Gerard served as a Private First Class and Radio Operator on C-46 #41-24688, India-China Wing, Air Transport Command, U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.

Gerard was declared "Missing In Action" in China during the war. After his remains were recovered his status was changed to "Killed In Action". Gerard's remains were found in 2001 and recovered in 2002. He is now interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. His name is commemorated on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Taguig City, Philippines. The "Rosette" in front of his name at Manila signifies that his remains were recovered. He also has a cenotaph located in Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington.

PFC Rugers was one of over 2000 Americans who lost their lives defending China from their Japanese invaders from 1941-1945. He is commemorated on the The Monument to the Aviation Martyrs in the War of Resistance Against Japan in Nanjing, China.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov