During World War II, the 32nd division was involved in the Papuan campaign from September of 1942 to January 1943 including the famous naval Battle of Guadalcanal which began November 11, 1942. This battle included sea fighting in the Solomon Islands. Guadalcanal was an island where the US had landed infantry and Marine troops and supplies.  The US lost the cruisers USS Atlanta and the USS Juneau along with several other ships. The battle included land, naval, and air corps assaults on both sides. This was a decisive battle, and the US gained control of the Solomon Islands. 24,000 Japanese lives were lost as opposed to 1,600 American lives lost.

Green County soldier, Sergeant Jacob P. Gerber, served with Company K of the 128th Infantry Regiment of the 32nd Infantry Division of the US Army and likely died in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Jacob Paul Gerber was born in 1915 in Stephenson County, Illinois to Paul and Martha (Steinman) Gerber.

From the 1920 U.S. Census, the Gerber family lived in Buckeye Township, Stephenson County, Illinois. The household included father Paul, mother Martha, and children Louise, Clara, Jacob, Marie, and Margret. Father Paul was a cheesemaker working in a cheese factory on his own account.

From the 1930 U.S. Census, the Gerber family was in the same place. Daughter Louise was no longer in the household which now included children Robert, Helen, Herman, Gertrude, and Pauline. Father Paul was a farmer working on a farm that he owned.

For the 1940 U.S. Census (taken on April 3, 1940), Jacob Gerber lived in Monroe in Green County, Wisconsin. He had an 8th grade education. He was a lodger and lived with Fred and Hattie Zaugg and their son Edwin. Jacob was a cheesemaker helper and worked in a cheese factory for paid wages. 

On October 15, 1940 Jake P. Gerber enlisted for service with the National Guard. He resided in Green County, Wisconsin and registered in Monroe. He worked in “unskilled occupations in processing of dairy products.” 

From the February 1, 1943 The Capital Times, “Sgt. J. P. Gerber, Ex-Monroe Man Killed in Action; Was Employed by Center Cheese Co.,” the article stated “Sgt. Jake Paul Gerber, member of former Co. K of the Wisconsin National Guard, was killed in action Nov. 19 in the southwest Pacific zone of combat, according to a message from the war department received last week by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gerber, residing four miles west of Dakota, Ill.

Sgt. Gerber had been reported missing in action by the war department Dec. 21. Though the message of his death did not state the location of the battle in which he lost his life, it is believed to have taken place in New Guinea as it has been definitely known that his company has been in the thick of battle there.

He was born in Stephenson County and attended schools there. Prior to his induction into the army, he was employed at the Monroe Center Cheese Co. in Monroe. 

Surviving besides his parents are two brothers, Robert of Dakota, Ill., and Herman, Chicago; eight sisters, Mrs. Arthur Grob, Mrs. Edward Zaugg and Miss Helen of Chicago; Marie of Aurora, Mrs. Clara Elliott, St. Nazianz, Wis., and Gertrude, Pauline and Rose Mary at home.”

Sergeant Jake P. Gerber was killed in action and received the Purple Heart, awarded posthumously. He was buried in the Manila American Cemetery at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines.

Thank you, Jacob Paul Gerber, for your service to and ultimate sacrifice for this country. We honor you and remember you.