James Marion Gale

James Marion Gale was born on November 10, 1915, in Davenport, Washington. His father, Henry Gale, was the son of a farmer and was born in Ohio. Henry later moved to Davenport, where he also worked as a farmer. Henry married James’ mother, Helen Laughbon, who was raised in Davenport, on February 24, 1914. The Gale family had a second child, Alma Verl.

Gale attended Washington State College in the Fall of 1937. He took a full course load as a freshman, including English composition, trigonometry, and chemistry. He intended to major in agriculture, a common choice for WSC students at the time. He left WSC in good standing at the end of the semester.

After leaving WSC, Gale enlisted in the United States Navy. He earned the rank of Petty Officer First Class, with a specialty in Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class. He served in the Pacific Theater, near the Philippines. Gale went missing in action during this time. Although the cause is not known, Gale was declared killed in action on May 6th, 1942.

Gale’s remains were never recovered, but he is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Philippines. He was also awarded a Purple Heart. He is memorialized on the WSU Veterans Memorial at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.