Bruce Gilbert

(all information from 4/2006)

** deceased June 2007

Bruce entered the US Air Force in 1950 completing 35 missions in Korea as chief gunner of a B-29 crew and had 1 bailout and 2 crash landings but returned with the same crew intact.  Upon return to the US, he transferred to Tucson AZ to train other crews leaving for Korea.  He would have liked to become career military but left the military as a Technical Sergeant and returned home in 1954 to take care of his mother and sister after the death of his father. He worked for 15 years at Reading Batteries and changed to running kettles at F&M Schaefer Brewing Co in Fogelsville when it opened.  He retired from there after 24 years.  Bruce lived in Douglassville area and was a big advocate for open space in Amity Township until his death in 2007.

Date of Eagle Scout Award:  December 11, 1947

Age when you became an Eagle Scout: 12

Years as a scout : 12-15

Eagle project: 

“Walking bridge for getting over stream in valley-24” to 36” long - ramps on both ends – main truss in middle made of cedar branches and heavy-duty twining.  Still have project in the barn”   

What does your Eagle Scout award mean to you?

“means dedication, accomplishment and quality leadership”

Has your Scouting experience or Eagle Scout award helped you in life? Describe how:

“Because of award was made Basic Asst flight chief during basic training in TX  and graduated with corporal stripes at the end of the training.  Made class leader in gunnery school in Denver CO and was promoted to sergeant at the end of school.  Was made top chief gunner of B-29 crew - lead select crew of crew training in Roswell NM in 1951.  Awarded staff sergeant strips because of position and responsibility of flight crew.”

Other:

“ I enjoyed my time in scouting.  Father and I ran the troop while being sponsored by Amity schools.  Lots of good memories and lots of good friends made of the years.  Father and I asked were asked to step down when the charter was moved from the school to the Amity church.  Dad and I became neighborhood commissioners and merit badge counselors till Dad’s death in 1954.  I myself then dropped from scouting also but thoroughly enjoyed all years in scouting.”