Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gayles. Member Zion Baptist Church where he came as a child in 1946 and participated in Sunday School. Attended Manual High School where he was 2nd Lieutenant of Manual's ROTC drill squad. Inspired by this he joined Army in July 1950. Trained in California and went overseas in November 1950. Served as field artillery cannoneer, Battery A, 503rd Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Division. Awarded Prisoner of War Medal. Captured during combat operations and held POW, declared dead and remains never recovered.