2005 Sept. 01

BY MIKKI CHANDLER
Tribune Staff Writer

Jonathan Gibson, Private First Class in the U.S. Army, was recently awarded the Bronze Star while serving in Iraq.

The son of Morristown residents Mark and Regina Gibson, Jonathan Gibson grew up living the typical American life. As a child, he played football and was involved in Boy Scouts.

Home schooled through high school, Gibson graduated in Nashville with the Family Christian Academy. Upon graduating he volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corp.

While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Gibson met his wife, Shinobu. After completing his tour with the Marines, the two returned to Morristown to raise a family.

Gibson worked in the cellular tower construction market, and eventually was hired by a national company in Atlanta, Ga.

It was 9/11 which inspired Gibson to join the Army National Guard. "Jonathan felt the urge to assist his country in combating terrorism," said Mark Gibson.

Gibson was deployed to Iraq in the early part of 2005 with his unit, 155th Mississippi Rifles.

In April Gibson was serving as a driver in his unit. While traveling through Iraq, his convoy was attacked. Gibson was driving the second vehicle when an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) hit the vehicle behind him.

After seeing the explosion, Gibson turned his vehicle around and returned to the crippled vehicle to assist with the removal of injured soldiers.

Gibson also assisted with the evacuation of injured soldiers through the process of MEDIVAC helicopters, after getting them to a safer area.

A letter sent to the Gibson family, telling them of their son's actions, read, "With all the excitement going on he kept a cool head and assured to all the injured soldiers that everything would be all right."

"I only did what was right, and God did the rest," said Gibson.

Throughout his time in Iraq, Gibson has kept a humble view of his heroics. From guarding mass graves to seeing the need and appreciation of the Iraqi people from the items sent by Americans, Gibson does not see himself as a hero.

Submitted Photo - Pfc. Gibson stands with Iraqi children he befriended while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Submitted Photo - Pfc. Gibson stands with Iraqi children he befriended while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Story Copyright to Chattanooga Times Free press