Gilbert graduated from North High in the class of June, 1945. Three days following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. Immediately he was sent to the Great Lakes, IL U.S. Naval Training Center. Following that training, he was stationed at the USNAT Center (Tadson) in Oakland, CA. From there, he was at Mare Island, CA. He was discharged in August, 1946.

In May, 1951, he was recalled through the Navy Reserve and served in the Boston, MA area until September, 1951 aboard the Destroyer, the USS McCaffery (DD/DDE-860, a Gearing class destroyer, in commission from 1945-1973).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_McCaffery_(DD-860)
Navy Archives (on-ship photo archive): http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/860.htm

In September, 1951, Gilbert served aboard the USS Cascade (AD-16, the only ship in its class, a destroyer tender) until his honorable discharge in August, 1952.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cascade_(AD-16)
Navy Archives (on-ship photo archive): http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/03/0316.htm

Gilbert was a Personalman Third Class with the US Navy. His listed next of kin was H.A. Proudfit, 3842 12th Street, Des Moines, IA. Gilbert attended Warren Harding Junior High School as well.
As of 11/18/09, Gilbert resides in Des Moines, IA with his wife, Darlene.