Charles was born 13 June 1918, in Lovington, Illinois, to Charles and Anna Durham.
Entered the service 5 September 1942, Fort Crook, Nebraska. Served overseas for 34 months in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, in Company A, 52nd Signal BN. He drove 2 1⁄2 ton light trucks hauling supplies, equipment and personnel over all kinds of terrain. He drove under all kinds of weather conditions and under blackout and convoy conditions. Minor road repairs were made as necessary.
Near Brisbane in Australia, he worked as a lineman setting up telephone and telegraph communication lines. He told of setting up lines with cans around the camp to signal them if the Japanese were sneaking up on them. Too, he told about chasing kangaroos with their jeeps; however, they could not catch them.
He was at Manila, in the Philippines, during McArthur’s invasion and was also, stationed in New Guinea.
Charles was honorably discharged 15 December 1945 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Upon returning home from this conflict he worked for Stoneking Plumbing and Heating and Ludvigson and Jeffrey Trucking. In 1953, he began work for the Iowa State Highway Commission as a maintenance man and supervisor. He worked there for 23 years until his retirement in 1976.
Charles married Ruth Croxell, 8 April 1949. They had two children, Charles, Jr. and Patricia. Charles was a member of the American Legion Mumford-Moon Post 79 at Correctionville. Charles enjoyed fishing and building. Charles was entitled to wear the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal.
Charles passed away 18 January 1984. He is buried at Correctionville.
Submitted by his wife, Ruth Croxell Durham.
