The Inglewood, California church, The Dwelling Place provided the back drop for the service of celebration for the life of U.S. Army Sargent, Joseph Enoch Gantt.
The remains of Sgt. Gantt arrived via full U.S. military escort last week in Southern California. Gantt’s remains were identified after missing for more than six decades. According to the United States Army, Gantt was captured near Kunu-ri, North Korea on December 1, 1950 during the Korean conflict.
Sergeant First Class Gantt was a member of Battery C. 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division prior to becoming a Prisoner of War. Gantt, died one year later while still a POW at the age of 26. Gantt was initially listed as Missing in Action and later as Killed in Action, not recovered. 
Just steps away from the flag draped casket, Gantts widow, Clara spoke with local and national media about how she was feeling and the closure attached with the recovery and burial of her husband. “After 63 years I feel fine. I wish it could have been earlier.”
Before presenting a resolution from the City of Inglewood, California, Mayor James T. Butts described Joseph and Clara’s marriage as a remarkable love affair. Following Sgt. Gantt’s capture and disappearance, Clara never remarried. “He (Joseph Gantt) wanted me to get married and I told him no, no, no, never again in life. I’m very proud to have a man like him.”
A full dressed Color Guard and veterans of various U.S. wars and conflicts lined the crowed street as fall colored leafs danced through the air finding a final resting place on the asphalt below. Motor cycles and American flags lined the driveway of the local Inglewood community church.
Standing at the head of the casket, Trena Thompson, a Gantt family representative shared prepared remarks. “For his combat leadership and heroic action he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and other awards including the Purple Heart. Neither his wife nor his county for 63 years ever gave up hope of bringing Sgt. First Class Joseph Gantt home. There by honoring the Sergeants willingness to answer the call to serve his county not once but twice, finally paying the ultimate sacrifice.”
The past few days for a brave but fallen warrior and widow, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gantt have been both exciting and exhausting. Clara Gantt, face began showing the stress of the past few days managed to smile during most of the service. “I prayed to the master to let me live to receive the remains of my husband and I am so proud that I have received him.”
By: Michael G. Reel
ReelUrbanNews.com
