FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2005
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431
 
 DENVER, CO – US Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) released the following remarks at a ceremony in the Old Supreme Court Chambers of the Colorado State Capitol recognizing the military service and contribution of 97 year old World War II veteran and Denver resident Mrs. Lena Gibbons:

We are here to honor one of our state’s most stalwart residents, Mrs. Lena J. Gibbons. It is fitting that we gather here on this day – a day after the 60th anniversary of the Allies’ victory in Europe during World War II – to honor Mrs. Gibbons, who is truly one of the finest members of our country’s “Greatest Generation.”  We are not here, however, to pay tribute to Mrs. Gibbons for her longevity – though she is nearly 98 years old and in amazing shape. Instead, we gather here in an effort to help right a wrong, by giving Mrs. Gibbons the long overdue recognition she deserves for her noble service during World War II

With the support of key members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including the chairman of the caucus, Representative Elijah Cummings, and Congressman Udall, I have introduced – and am pleased to present to Mrs. Gibbons today – a House Resolution that formally acknowledges Mrs. Gibbons’ courageous service during World War II.  It declares that Mrs. Gibbons should have been discharged from the Army Air Force at the rank of Technical Sergeant –  a rank that is truly reflective of her superior performance and invaluable service during the Second World War.

Mrs. Gibbons, known during her service as Pasqualine Lawson, is one of the few African Americans who served as a Psychiatric Social Worker in the field of neuropsychiatry during World War II.  With a bachelors and graduate degree from New York University and coursework at Fordham’s School of Social Work, Mrs. Gibbons’ comprehensive background and depth of knowledge gave her a specialized skill-set and a unique awareness of the importance of mental health services, especially during a time of war.

Given our society’s growing recognition of the importance of mental health services, Mrs. Gibbons was prescient in understanding how important it is to address not only the physical wounds of war, but the emotional ones as well.   Mrs. Gibbons’ specialized training enabled her to diagnose and treat traumatized soldiers, ultimately helping them to transition to civilian life after their military service.

During her service, Mrs. Gibbons’ superiors routinely noted that she performed “outstanding” and “superior” work, had an “excellent rapport with patients” and “possessed all of the requisite qualities essential to becoming an Officer.”  As such, Mrs. Gibbons was frequently trusted with assignments and responsibilities beyond those assigned to her peers

Yet, despite the eight letters of commendation and the numerous recommendations for promotion that Mrs. Gibbons received during her two years in the Army Air Force, her exemplary record of service went largely unrecognized.  Mrs. Gibbons was never promoted in rank and was honorably discharged as a Private First Class when her military service to our nation ended in January 1946.

Unfortunately, during the World War II era, Mrs. Gibbons’ case was not unique. Many of the 1.2 million African Americans, Japanese Americans and other minorities, as well as the women, who served in uniform to uphold and protect the values of our country, were never given the recognition due to them.  Instead they were victims of the military’s “separate but equal” policy, which always meant separate, but seldom meant equal 

It is impossible to do anything about past segregation and racism that soliders of the World War II era confronted and were forced to tolerate.  What we can do today is see that one of these individuals, Mrs. Lena J. Gibbons, who selflessly served our country in its time of need, is formally honored for her service and accomplishments.

While the House resolution that I have introduced won’t make up for or erase the injustice that Mrs. Gibbons has endured for years, it will hopefully serve as a vital step in ensuring that this 97 year old, this true “national treasure,” finally receives the recognition

It is therefore with great honor that I have the opportunity to present to you, Mrs. Gibbons, on behalf of the U.S House of Representatives, this House resolution that formally recognizes your service to our country and declares that your rank, upon discharge, should have been Technical Sergeant, rather than Private First Class.

###