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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