On the road

On the road

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Honor Flight DFW profiles Spring-Summer 2013


 

Charles had been in the R.O.T.C. in college and enlisted into the U.S.Army in June, 1942 at the age of 19.

After basic training he was transferred overseas to the European Theater as part of the 36th Division, also known as “The Texas Division.” Specifically, Charles was assigned to the 141st Infantry Regiment also known as the “1st Texas Infantry.” This unit can trace its linage all the way back to the Texas revolution.

The 36th Division was activated on November 25, 1940 and was sent overseas on April 2, 1943. The division saw 400 days of combat in such places as Naples-Foggia, Italy, Rome Arno, Southern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe.

Charles was a unit commander of an anti-tank company. During an operation to secure a ridge in Vosages, a battalion was cut off by the Germans. There was a heroic battle in which the rescuers finally rescued the “Lost” battalion suffering horrendous casualties.

The famous German General Heinz Guderian placed the 141st Infantry Regiment the rank of number 2 in the overall order of battle assessment among Allied units facing the German army.

Charles was wounded by an anti-tank mine at one point and left the Alsace-Lorain region of France for England and a long term recovery in a hospital.

He was discharged from the military while still in the hospital in September, 1946 with the rank of Captain.  

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