Comments on: William “Bill” Dawson Gruber, age 22, of Toston and Townsend

By: Nina Cabacar Valdez

Nina Cabacar Valdez — Wed, 19 May 2021 11:41:14 +0000

My condolences. Your son, brother was a hero. I’m very glad he’s home. My dad was also in the Bataan Death March – in POW Camps O’Donnell and Cabanatuan. William was part of the GREATEST generation, and I salute him and will remember his story always. May God bless his family…

By: Greg Black

Greg Black — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 03:57:05 +0000

Welcome home Pvt Gruber !! My Uncle was also in The Bataan Death March, so I’ve researched the atrocities you endured. God Bless you and thank you for saving us from the axis powers.

By: Becky Warner

Becky Warner — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 04:37:00 +0000

I took care of Dora, Bill’s mother, when she was in Hillbrook Nursing Home. It was the summer between my high school graduation and beginning college. She was a wonderful woman and one of the most courageous I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. I was in awe of the things she told me of her life. The years of not knowing what happened to her son would have crippled most people. I attended the services at Boulder today. It was one of those moments when I was proud to be an American, a Montanan, a Jefferson County resident, but heartbroken nevertheless.

By: JG

JG — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 15:41:23 +0000

What a well written and captivation account of a man’s life that was lost too soon! Although it ended too soon, it sounds like William lived a life full of self-sacrifice and dedicated to helping others. Although some in your family were never able to meet William, you can look forward to the time promised in the Bible when God will resurrect all those who have died back to life on earth. (Acts 24:15; Revelation 21:4; Psalm 37:11) May these promises bring you hope that one day you will be able to meet and get to know William for yourself.

By: CMSgt (Ret) and fellow Montanan Craig M. Kirwin

CMSgt (Ret) and fellow Montanan Craig M. Kirwin — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 20:51:55 +0000

I have done a lot of research on the Army Air Force personnel captured in the Philippines during WWII, I am amazed at their courage in the face on incredible odds and their dedication to the mission and each other. Thank you Private Gruber and may you rest in peace! Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win!

By: Mary Runkel

Mary Runkel — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:25:21 +0000

This life story is one of Montana courage. Thank you for sharing with all of us to remember and give credit for all of the service men and women who protect us everyday. My prayers for your family as you gather to celebrate his life.

By: Carolyn Ruybal

Carolyn Ruybal — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 18:19:19 +0000

I am a cousin of Bill. I can remember the time Aunt Dora was grief stricken not knowing what happened to Bill. I am proud of his service to our country, but so wish he didn’t have to go through what he did. May God reward him with peace & happiness in Heaven. Love to all you Grubers.
Carol (Dawson) Ruybal

By: Betty Brewer

Betty Brewer — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 20:13:59 +0000

Thank you PVT Gruber for your service and ultimate sacrifice. I do not know any of your family but this beautiful remembrance of your life has touched my heart. I ask God to touch your family and grant them peace and comfort knowing you were not alone. I can’t imagine what you were put through and I pray that this never happens to anyone else again. You were a very brave young man and served your country with dignity and valor. Father God please grant this entire family the peace that passes all understanding and let them know that I appreciate the dedicated service that this young man gave for our country. I thank you for granting them peace of mind and letters and pictures to cherish of their son brother and friend. He is smiling down on all of you and saluting you with a beautiful grin on his face. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and heartfelt memory of PVT Gruber. May God Bless You richly and may the beautiful memories of your loved one grant you peace. Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory and I pray that you continue to receive Gods blessing and healing hugs for an outstanding young man who served his country in the most precious and loving way possible. Amen and God Speed

By: Rick and Mary Bell

Rick and Mary Bell — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:03:21 +0000

What a beautiful written tribute – thank you for sharing this story of courage, faith and hope in the midst of dire circumstances. I salute your family for this sacrifice and his service. No greater love than to lay down one’s life. RIP

By: Jo Anne Baum

Jo Anne Baum — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:43:39 +0000

You will be home now RIP…..What an amazing story…..Thank You for your service and Thank You to your family!

By: Darlene Miller Scott

Darlene Miller Scott — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:15:33 +0000

Thank you to William and his family, for his ultimate sacrifice. May his remains finally rest forever in the country that he so faithfully served. May his soul rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord.

By: Gay Ann Masolo

Gay Ann Masolo — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:59:32 +0000

Thank you for sharing his story and I thank him for his service. We just returned from Normandy and the more I read about the war the more I am thankful for our brave soldiers and how young they were to give up their lives for our freedom.

By: Bonnie Parrett

Bonnie Parrett — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:37:13 +0000

Thank you for your service & that of your family.

By: Laura Barry

Laura Barry — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 05:13:32 +0000

Thank you for your service to our country , Bill !

By: Jean Buckingham

Jean Buckingham — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 01:33:49 +0000

I knew Bill and his family well. They were and are a fine Montana family. I’m so happy Bill is now home where he belongs with his family. Thank you Bill for your service and sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Jean Buckingham

By: Kris Sullivan

Kris Sullivan — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 20:07:38 +0000

What a wonderful, sad story. I am so glad the family finally has closure. Thank you for your service and our freedom.

By: Jackie Smith

Jackie Smith — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:06:28 +0000

What a wonderful tribute dad had so many stories about all of the Gruber kids wish I had recorded them

By: Jim brown

Jim brown — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 03:12:46 +0000

Wonderful write up, thank you for sharing. I am glad bill is finally coming home

By: Linda Powers

Linda Powers — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 00:34:06 +0000

Thank you for your service Private Gruber. I had 2 brothers who served overseas in wartime. One in WW2 and one in Vietnam. Your story is a wonderful tribute to to that young soldier. Thank you for sharing it

By: Kurt Jenewein

Kurt Jenewein — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:40:06 +0000

Thank you Pvt Gruber for your service. Thank you for sharing this story.