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King Charles Bowler 'Chick'

Monuments

Charles B. King Plaque

 

Name:
Charles Bowler 'Chick' King
Rank:
Colonel
Serial Number:
O-017275
Unit:
VII Corps
Date of Death:
1944-06-22
State:
Oklahoma
Cemetery:
Normandy American Cemetery, France
Plot:
D
Row:
21
Grave:
25
Decoration:
Legion of Merit and Purple Heart
Comments:

Charles B. King, nicknamed "Chick," was a 1928 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was an avid sportsman and amateur carpenter who enjoyed teaching his fellow soldiers and friends the very activities which he was so passionate about. He helped to organize the Infantry Office Candidate School at Fort Benning and later proved his aptitude for military intelligence. King's desire to be close to his troops and to gain the best intelligence possible led to his death on the banks of the Ollonde River while approaching a group of enemy combatants whom he was planning to interrogate. King's commitment to military intelligence posthumously earned him the Legion of Merit.

Awarded the Legion of Merit and the Purple Heart. CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel Charles Bowler King (ASN: 0-17275), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as Assistant Chief of Staff. G-2, Seventh Corps, from 7 April 1944 to 22 June 1944. Colonel King evaluated the voluminous intelligence information accumulated and, at the same time, completed plans for the organization of his section. His keen mind, sound judgment and his untiring efforts enabled him to carry out this difficult assignment in an amazingly short time, and he was able to devote his great organizing ability to the final completion of plans for the invasion. His judgment and conclusions in furnishing his Commanding General and members of the staff his analysis of the unfolding situation were fully confirmed by conditions found to exist on 'D' Day and immediately thereafter. Subsequent to the landing, his eagerness and enthusiasm in securing the very best and latest information of the enemy often took him to exposed positions. Colonel King was killed in action on 22 June while accompanying a patrol to bring in enemy prisoners. His devotion to duty, and his resourcefulness contributed materially to the success of the campaign on the Cherbourg Peninsula.