Anthony J. Gabriel, Jr.

Anthony J. Gabriel, Jr. of Herkimer proudly served our nation for a total of 36 years in the United States Army. Enlisting as a buck Private in 1948, he eventually retired as a full Colonel in 1984. Mr. Gabriel performed at an exemplary level during his time in the European Theater, Korean War zones and while training his successors. 

In 1948, Mr. Gabriel was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Regiment in Lenggries, Germany. His assignment list was extensive in the G-3 section, and he served with nobility and courage. 

Mr. Gabriel attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Fort Benning, Georgia, with additional duties as Company Commander of Company G 47th Infantry Division at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He was shipped to Japan in 1953, where he attended CBR school. Upon graduation, he was sent to Korea as Company Commander HQ-HQ Company, 2nd Amphibious Combat Support Brigade in Tong Nae. After Korea, Mr. Gabriel wanted to stay involved in the military forces and became Logistics Coordinator for the United States Army Reserves in numerous locales. 

In his civilian life, Mr. Gabriel has been a devoted community leader; serving as village trustee, Herkimer Boxing Club President and 4th degree knight/life member of the Knights of Columbus; he helped build many Mohawk Valley landmarks as a Past President/life member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America. 

Mr. Gabriel stays involved with his fellow veterans, serving as a life member/Past Post Commander of Michael Pliseck VFW Post #4915. He served on the committee that was the first in the nation to send World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their World War II memorial. Mr. Gabriel has remained quite active in fighting for the rights of his fellow veterans, making sure they get the treatment and recognition they deserve. 

Mr. Gabriel helped establish the Veterans Memorial Park monument on the Herkimer County Community College campus. His name is one of 10 Gabriel family members’ names etched on the monument honoring his family’s over 110 years of active duty service from World War I to present day. 

Colonel Anthony J. Gabriel, Jr. has fulfilled an array of crucial duties as a member of the United States Army and as a civilian. No matter the task, his leadership, wisdom and compassion have always been on point for his beloved country and flag.