Charles was a pilot in the 78th Fighter Group, 84th Fighter Squadron, 8th Air Force, from June 26, 1944, until he was killed that fall. His P-47, "The Merry Chase," serial number N-43-25593, crashed at Rambrouch, Redange, Luxembourg, on Sept. 10, 1944. Note the swastikas on the side of his plane: He was credited with three air victories and two ground wins for a total of five. Charles was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with seven crosses.

At left is a photo of him with the other members of his crew.

In 2007, I received notice from curator Roger Feller that a monument to Charles was being dedicated at the Museum of Perle. Below is a picture from that ceremony -- note the photo on the stand is the one above -- and a close-up of the marker.