CM Q3 FINAL DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 17
battling challenging
terrain. His compelling
journey recently
caught the attention of
WTVR CBS6’s Greg
McQuade. An in-depth
interview, including
a television segment
detailing Charles’
experiences and
insights is available for
viewing here:
W
illiam Charles,
resident at The
Chesapeake,
is a retired Second
Lieutenant with the United
States Army Air Corps.
At just 18 years of age, a
mere few months after his
high school graduation,
Charles took to the skies
by enrolling in the aviation
cadet program.
Charles recalls the events
that spurred his decision.
“When I saw what
happened in Pearl Harbor,
I knew what was next,” he
FALL 2023
remarked. Determined
to take control of his
destiny, he continued, “I
didn’t want to be drafted
so I enlisted.”
His enlistment wasn’t
without its challenges.
Charles undertook
the demanding task of
learning to navigate
aircraft like the A-26
Invader and the B-26
Marauder. The latter
earned the nickname
of the “widowmaker”
due to the high rate of
accidents occurring
during take-offs and
landings.
Over the course of his
service, Charles found
himself leading some
of the most dangerous
missions, navigating
complex situations and
https://bit.ly/3ZPUlA2
This year marked yet
another milestone for
Charles. Surrounded
by loved ones, he
celebrated his 100th
birthday on August 12th
at The Chesapeake.
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