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| Sgt. Gem Morris served in the 19th Bombardment Group and died in the Cabanatuan Camp https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56756897/gem-eliasen-morris https://www.pinterest.com/pin/535365474427503687/ |
Gem Eliasen Morris never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on May 17, 1919 in McCammon, Idaho. His parents Parley and Sarah were born in Utah and Idaho, respectively. His grandparents were from Wales and Denmark. His father worked as a farmer and later as a gardener. Gem had three older sisters, two younger brothers, and five younger sisters. Gem completed four years of high school before volunteering for the Army Air Corps in November 1939.
Gem became a Tec 5 in the 93rd Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, which was equipped with B-17 Flying Fortresses. It was deployed to the Philippines in October 1941. Half of the 19th BG was destroyed on the ground during the Japanese attack on the first day of the war. While the other half was eventually able to withdraw to Australia, Sgt. Morris stayed behind and was sent to Bataan to fight with the infantry. After the Americans surrendered, Sgt. Morris endured the Bataan Death March.
He lasted until June 25, 1942 when he died of tonsilitis and conjunctivitis while a prisoner of war at the Cabanatuan camp. The Japanese denied the prisoners medicine that could have prevented many deaths.
His grave is at Salt Lake City Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Last year on this date I profiled Bronze Star hero Tadashi Kijima, 442nd Infantry Regiment. You can read about Tadashi here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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