Application for a grave marker and resulting stone erected for Pfc Virgel Gainer in Evergreen South Cemetery, South Parkersburg (Wood county), West Virginia.

Virgel enlisted in the Army at Fort Hayes, Columbus, OH on 14 October 1942.

A parachutist volunteer, he was assigned to the 508th PIR which had just been activated at Camp Blanding FL Company.  Being amongst the first arrivals Pvt Gainer was assigned to Company A.

Pfc Gainer participated in the jump into Normandy on 6 June 1944.  Initially listed as killed in action on 17 June 1944 his status was updated to 7 June 1944.  However his grave marker carries the 17 June date..

Pfc Gainer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge.