Paul Gibson Hunt - Ryan, OK
N 34° 00.677 W 097° 56.433
14S E 597826 N 3763912
A cenotaph to Ryan native, Staff Sergeant Paul Gibson Hunt, indicating that he died in the service of his country during World War II, stands with his family in Ryan Cemetery, Ryan, OK.
Waymark Code: WMQYBE
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 04/14/2016
Views: 2
Sergeant Hunt's cenotaph is of marble, standing about seven feet tall and flanked by urns for flowers. The family name, "Hunt", is on the reverse, and on the front, much of the perimeter of the stone has floral trim. The inscription is:
S/Sgt. Paul Gibson
Hunt
Eighth Air Force
Son of George W. and
Martha E. Hunt
Born Aug. 5, 1924
Died in the service of his
country in the European area
June 13, 1943
Buried in Neuville-en-Condroz
Belgium
He stands in the unbroken line
of patriots who have dared to
die that freedom might live, and
grow, and increase its blessings.
Freedom lives, and through
it, he lives - in a way that humbles
the undertakings of most men.
--
An excellent narrative at the Chronicles of the Luftwaffe (
visit link) indicates that he was a navigator on the "Helno Gallen II" when it was shot down.
Volume 22 of "The Chronicles of Oklahoma" (
visit link) has a short biography, noting his Ryan roots -- he was a star athlete -- and his enlistment in August of 1942. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, dying at the Battle of Kiel, off the coast of Germany. He is buried in Plot D Row 14 Grave 40 of the Ardennes American Cemetery (see link).