The heartbreaking story of Pfc. Gilman M. Sirois is a poignant reminder of the selflessness and bravery that defined a generation of young men who gave everything for our freedom. On Jan. 23, 1945, Gilman sat in a cold, dark cellar in a wartorn town in France, surrounded by priests, nuns and refugees. In that moment, amidst the chaos and destruction, he thought of his beloved mother, Sophie, and the world he had left behind.
Just one day later, his life was taken in battle, leaving his hopes, bright future and dreams unfulfilled.
Born on April 8, 1924, in Fort Fairfield, he was the youngest of seven children born to Edwin Charles and Sophie Morrow Sirois. He grew up on the family farm, a place where hard work was valued and family was everything. Those early years were marked by the rhythms of rural life — working the land, caring for animals and sharing precious moments with his siblings. The values and principles of his upbringing shaped him into the kind of person who would answer the call when his country needed him most.
On Dec. 17, 1943, Gilman enlisted in the U.S. Army, driven by a deep sense of duty and patriotism that defined his generation. After completing his basic training at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, he was assigned to the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, and soon found himself in the heart of the war effort in Europe.
He fought in Italy, taking part in the liberation of towns and villages from the evil grip of tyranny. Then, on the battlefields of Southern France, he was badly wounded by enemy fire. An injury to his leg sent him to a convalescent hospital, where he would spend a month recovering before returning to the frontlines. Despite the pain and suffering he endured, Gilman did not hesitate to rejoin his brothers in arms. The war was far from over, and he understood that his country needed him.
Gilman’s courage and resilience were unmatched, but his journey would tragically end just months after his return to combat. On Jan. 23, 1945, during the fierce fighting in the Colmar Pocket—a strategically critical area located in northeastern France, near the German border—he wrote his final letter. His words were filled with love and reassurance for his mother, even as he faced the harsh realities of war. The next day, in the midst of battle, Gilman was struck by artillery shell fragments, mortally wounding him. The young man who had shown such bravery and resolve throughout his service was gone, leaving behind a family and a community devastated by his loss. He was just 20 years old.
His mother, Sophie, was left to mourn the death of her youngest child, a young man who had been full of promise, hope, and love for her. Sophie Sirois died on July 29, 1960, carrying the weight of her son’s sacrifice with her until the end. His brothers and sisters, who had grown up beside him, were now left to carry the burden of a world without their little brother. Today, Gilman is buried in the Epinal American Cemetery in northeastern France, where he rests among other brave soldiers who gave their lives for freedom.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Gilman’s death. His story is not just one of sorrow but of profound sacrifice and unwavering dedication. His legacy challenges us to live with purpose, integrity and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. It is not enough to simply remember the past. We must make sure that the values Gilman stood for remain alive in our daily lives. Pfc. Gilman M. Sirois gave everything for our freedom, and it is our responsibility to ensure that his memory, and the memory of all who served, is never forgotten.
John Dekhane lives in France and writes tribute articles dedicated to World War II fallen heroes.
