Mees, Gideon

Son of Pesia and Aharon, was born on 10.4.1930 in Ramat Gan to agricultural parents who were members of Moshav Beit Hanan since 1930. He grew up in Moshav. Gideon graduated from the local elementary school and continued to study at the Gymnasium in Rishon Letzion. He completed seven grades and moved to the Kaduri agricultural school. In the second year he enlisted with his classmates to serve in the Palmach in Maoz Haim, where he joined the Palmach and served in the Yiftah Brigade. He participated in the conquest of Zar’in, in the battles of Nebi Yusha, Malkia and throughout the Upper Galilee, and in repelling the invader in Mishmar Ha’emek. In preparation for the first truce, the Yiftah Brigade was demoted to the central region and took part in the fighting in the Latrun area. At the end of the first truce, the brigade participated in the “Dani” operation and on July 17-18, 1948, towards the beginning of the second truce, the “Haemek” Battalion seized Shilat and controlled the eastern part of the Korikor ridge to threaten the wing of the Legion. In the morning it became clear that the Legion force was holding the western part of the ridge. The enemy attacked the force in the outpost from two directions with the aid of armored vehicles, and that was forced to withdraw. In the harsh retreat in an open area under crossfire, many of the fighters, including Gideon, fell on 11 July 1948. On the 11th of Adar 5702 (28.2.1950) he was transferred with his friends who fell with him to eternal rest in the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.