Charles White graduated from high school on May 19, 1950 and one month later on June 19, joined the US Navy in Dallas, Texas. After a 3 day train ride, he arrived at the NTR in San Diego, California.  He was assigned to Company 143 under the command of CPO Akins.  On June 25, the Korean War started. After 3 months of boot camp, the company was flown to San Francisco.  After a short time in San Francisco, they were transported to Yokohama, Japan. Charles was assigned to the USS Tacoma PF-3.  The Tacoma was a small frigate with ships, a company of 180 men.  On board the Tacoma, his duties were Lead Helmsmen – his regular watch station, Swimmer – Sea and Air Rescue Detail, and Pointer – on a 40mm gun at the General Quarters Station. On one occasion, he recalls having to go into the water to help a downed pilot. They were able to get out of the plane ok and Charles was able to get the pilot in the whale boat.

The Tacoma was attached to Task Force 77 off the East Coast of Korea.  The mission was to run screening and escort duty for the Carriers, Battleships, and Cruisers.  Other duties were to patrol the coast looking for enemy troop movements on land.  In late September 1951, Charles was granted a 30-day leave after which time he was to report to the Radioman school in San Diego.  After graduating from radio school, he was assigned to the USS Twining DD-540 as flag radioman to ComDesDiv 172.  After a short time aboard the Twining, along with the three other ships in DesDiv 172, they sailed for Korea.  He was in the Korean area for 6 months, before returning to San Diego. Thereafter, he was discharged and returned home to Texas.

Charles worked for AT&T for 32 years before retirement.  He and his wife, Jean, have lived in Forsyth for the last 22 years and throughout that time he has been very active in veteran affairs.  Charles served as Post Commander, 1st Vice Commander, Finance Officer, Membership Officer, Bingo Chairman, and Veterans Day Parade Chairman at the American Legion Post 220.  As a member of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter, he served as Captain of the Honor Guard Squad for Military funerals.

To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit our website: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any of our Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form.  Veterans are chosen by a panel of their peers.

THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!