DOB/DOD: October 30, 1915 (Maspeth, NY) – September 4, 1957 (Norwalk, CT); 41 years old
MARITAL STATU: Married to Margaret Rusin Gesner (1917-1953) on November 16, 1936.
CHILDREN: One son, Robert William Gesner (1940-). Graduated from West Point, Class of 1964.
LOCAL ADDRESS: 8 Burwell Street and Deerwood Manor, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: October 5, 1942
SERVICE NUBMER: 11096185
UNIT: 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division
FAMILY: Born to Howard (1888-1959) and Mary Wood Gesner (1890-1961). One brother, Howard G. (1914-1948), and one sister, Marion Gesner Drain (1944-2010).
From The Norwalk Hour August 4, 1944
PVT WM. GESNER IS WOUNDED
Wife Gets Letter He Is In Hospital In England; War Department Lists Him Missing
Private William Whitney Gesner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gesner of Murray Street and husband of Mrs. Marjorie Rusin Gesner Deerfield Street, was wounded in action on D-Day and is now in an American Hospital in England, according to three letters written by a nurse who is attending him at the hospital. Just yesterday, Private Gesner’s wife received a telegram from the War Department stating that he was missing in action on June 6, indicating the War Department does not yet know of his whereabouts. The last letter stated that Private Gesner had just undergone an operation and, due to arm injuries, was unable to write but that he would be able to write sometime in the very near future. Private Gesner is a paratrooper with the 508th Paratroop Division. He enlisted in October of 1942 and received his basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida. He was shipped overseas in December of 1943 and has been in Scotland, Ireland, England, and France. He attended local schools, is a former Hour newsboy, and, previous to entering the service, was employed by the General Electric Company in Bridgeport. He has one son, Robert, who is three years old.
From The Norwalk Hour August 26, 1944
QUEEN PINS MEDAL ON LOCAL SOLDIER
A U.S. Army General Hospital — Pinning the Purple Heart to his hospital robe with her own hands during a recent visit Queen Mother Mary wished Private William Gesner, 28, of Deerfield Street, Norwalk, Connecticut, a speedy recovery at the U.S. Army General Hospital in England where he was a patient. Queen Mary was accompanied on her visit by Colonel Leonard D. Heaton of Stanton, Virginia, commanding officer, and his staff. Private Gesner is a member of a tough paratroop unit that dropped into Normandy on the morning of D-Day, but he choked with emotion when the Queen spoke to him, and his eyes became a little misty. “She really looked like a Queen,” he said. “And yet she reminded me of my grandmother — she was so darned nice.” Private Gesner’s wife, Mrs. Margaret Gesner, lives with their two-and-one-half-year-old son at the Deerfield Street address. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gesner Live on Murray Street, Norwalk, Connecticut. Before entering the Army, Private Gesner was employed by the General Electric Company, Bridgeport.
From The Norwalk Hour October 26, 1945
WOUNDED VETERAN BROUGHT HOME
Wm Gesner, Hurt Overseas, Returns On Sick Leave; Red Cross Furnishes Ambulance
PFC William Whitney Gesner, wounded in action in France on June 14, 1944, and hospitalized at that time, arrived here on leave this week from Newton D. Baker Hospital in Martinsburg, Virginia, and will be glad to see his friends at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gesner of Murray Street. Also at his parents’ home are his wife, Mrs. Margaret A. Gesner, and their little three-year-old son, Robert, who reside on Deerfield Street. The wounded soldier’s visit home was made possible through the cooperation of the Norwalk and Darien Chapters of the American Red Cross, which provided an ambulance and drive to meet him in Jersey City, New Jersey, to which point he came by train. His return trip in about 10 days will also be made on the way. PFC Gesner, who sustained injuries to the back when struck by shrapnel shot in combat in France, was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. His glider was forced down in enemy-held territory, and he was one of four men to survive the gunfire of the Germans, only to be later struck in combat. He was removed to England for three months’ treatment before he was flown to this country, arriving at Mitchell Field, New York, on September 20, 1944. He recently underwent his third serious operation within an 18-month period and is responding in an encouraging manner, although he probably will continue to receive treatment for several months. Before he was inducted into the service in October 1942, he was with the General Electric Company in Bridgeport.
From The Norwalk Hour September 4, 1957
W.W. GESNER DIES; HERO IN COMBAT
Disabled Veterad For Bravery In World War II In France
William Whitney Gesner, 41, of Deerwood Manor, one of Norwalk’s disabled heroes of World War II, died this morning at the Norwalk Hospital. He had been a patient in the hospital for several weeks with an aliment that had been connected with wounds received in battle and many operations that followed.
Mr. Gesner was cited by the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt for bravery against the Germans in World War II after he had received wounds that kept him confined to a wheelchair following a long period of hospitalization.
He became active in Norwalk veteran affairs, and in 1946, the city expressed appreciation for his war contribution with a bingo party arranged by his many friends.
Mr. Gesner attended local schools prior to his induction and worked at the General Electric plant in Bridgeport. He was inducted into the Army in October 1942 and became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Mr. Gesner’s glider was forced down in enemy territory in France in June 1944, and he was one of four out of 15 men in the glider to survive heavy German fire. He escaped in this incident, only to be hit by shrapnel later while engaged in hedgerow fighting with the enemy.
Mr. Gesner was evacuated from France to England for treatment and, three months later, was flown to the United States. His injuries partially paralyzed him, and although he recovered the use of his arms, he remained a paraplegic. The Presidential Citation lauded Mr. Gesner for his courage in “fighting it out” with two Germans on a scouting mission in France, both of whom he killed.
Mr. Gesner was a member of Mulvoy-Tarloy-Aquino Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Frank C. Godfrey Post, American Legion; and Jeremiah O’Brien Chapter, Disabled American Veterans.
Funeral services will be held at the Norwalk Methodist Church, of which the deceased was a member, on Saturday at 11 A.M. with Rev. Barton Bovee, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Mr. Gesner is survived by his wife, Mrs. Gayle Stanley Gesner; a son, Robert William Gesner and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gesner, all of this city.
Despite his injuries, Mr. Gesner continued to earn his own living. He was employed by the Johnny Barton Co., liquor distributors in Stamford, and transported himself by means of a specially equipped automobile.
Mr. Gesner will be accorded full military honors.
Friends may call at the Raymond Funeral Home, 5 East Wall Street, Thursday and Friday from 3 to 5 and from 7 to 10 P.M.
Buried in Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Section 19, unknown grave #. Photos by webmaster.
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