105-year-old veteran survived being shot down in WW II

Members of the Patriot Guard assemble before escorting the late Sam Gahr, a World War II veteran, from Immanuel Lutheran Church to his internment at West Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 23. | Neal Supranovich

Posted By: Staff December 30, 2023

The late Sam Gahr was laid to rest Saturday, Dec. 23, with military honors, accompanied by members of the veterans organization Patriot Guard, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church where services were held, along the route and at West Cemetery for his internment.

Gahr, at 105 years, was a World War II veteran, staff sergeant and top turret gunner aboard a B-26 when the bomber was shot down. He survived, and according to this obituary, “he held this story very dear to his heart” and would recall it often when recounting his combat missions.

From top, clockwise, the late Sam Gahr, one of the vehicles accompanying the cortege to the internment, the Patriot Guards bearing the casket, Patriot Guards at the church doors, at the funeral service and bearing the casket into the church. | Neal Supranovich

Born in May of 1913 in Bristol, Gahr resided here his entire life. Also, as recounted in the obituary, he “was a strong man of faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he was a very devout Christian.” He attended Bristol schools before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp 599th Bombardment squadron.

After his discharge, he worked at Ingraham’s and Superior Electric. After retiring, he worked parttime at Bristol Savings Bank for another 10 years.

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