Joseph M. Gamet

Joseph M. Gamet, 92, of Hot Springs, died Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the Hot Springs V. A. Medical Center. Gamet was born November 2, 1916 to Worth and Clementina Gamet. He had one sister, Alice Casserly. He was a farmer, electrician and a diesel mechanic. Gamet enlisted in the United States Army Infantry, December of 1940, trained as a glider pilot, and was discharged December of 1945 as a Second Lieutenant. Among his many decorations was the Air Medal with Arrowhead and Four Oak Leaf Clusters. He was presented the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in action while attached to the 194th Glider Infantry Regiment near Wesel, Germany. Foreign citations were the Orange Landyard from Holland and the Fourragere in the colors of the Croix de Guerre (Normandy) from France. Upon his return to his home state of South Dakota, he married the love of his life, Edyth Trent Bogner. He simultaneously became the proud father of Bert (Barbara) Bogner of Oral, SD, Rita (Carson) Bell of Oral, SD, and Nancy Bogner of Baytown, TX. He was further blessed by his grandchildren; Jason (Kristine) Bogner, Eric (Cari) Bogner, Charles (Cassie) Bell, Sara (friend Robert) Bell, Debra (Charles) Becker, Christine (Ryan) Bartlett, and his great grandchildren; Lane, Josie, Sydney, Nathan, Aden, Brooke and Aubrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and angelic granddaughter, Brianna Bogner. An original board member of the Angostura Irrigation District, Gamet was also a member of the Fall River County Deputy Sheriff Association. A member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the National World War II GliderPilots Association. In 2007, Gamet was appointed as a Combat Air Crew Memorial Member of the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame. He enjoyed the comradeship of fellow aviators, and was active in the “Windsocks” who meet weekly at the Hot Springs Airport. Private Inurnment services will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Military Honors. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Edstrom and Rooks Funeral Services of Rapid City is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.