John M. Gibson was born in 1924 in Hudson County. He enrolled in Saint Peter’s in 1942 and after one year at the College, he enlisted in the United States Army on May 18, 1943. He became a private first class in the 169th Infantry Regiment of the 43rd Infantry Division.

In December 1943, the 43rd Division returned to New Zealand. After a period of rest and relaxation, the Division received and integrated replacement soldiers sent to take the place of those killed in action. After intensive training, in July 1944, the 43rd Infantry Division became part of the force driving the Japanese from New Guinea. Landing at Aitape, the Division successfully prevented Japanese troops from reinforcing along the Drinimour River.

In January 1945, the 43rd Infantry Division participated in the amphibious landing at Lingayen Gulf on Luzon in the Philippines. On March 13, 1945, Gibson was "Killed in Action" in the Philippines. He was 21 years old.

Private First Class Gibson is buried in plot L, row 13, grave 94 in the Manila American Cemetery in Manila, Philippines. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His name and rank are inscribed on a monument at Fort William McKinley in Manila, Philippines.

Additional information about the 43rd Infantry Division can be found in The History of the 43rd Division 1941-1945 by Joseph E. Zimmer.