Charles L. Fitzgerald

Charles L. Fitzgerald was born on May 19, 1919, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. He served in the Marines as a sergeant in World War II. Most of his boyhood was spent in the cities of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rapids, and Wautoma. Charles had three brothers and five sisters. His brothers were Hugh, Allen, and Arthur. Charles’ first flight was with his brother, Arthur. Arthur was also a sergeant and served in World War II. His five sisters were Everesta, Bernadine, Isabelle, Doris, and Charlotte.

Charles was employed by Green Bay and Western Railroad at the time he entered the service. Charles received training at San Diego and Camp Elliot, California, before going overseas in the spring of 1942. He also served with Carlson’s Raiders for 21 months. After reporting to Camp Pendleton, California, he was assigned to the Fifth Division and earned 4 Battle Stars.

Charles was involved in many battles at Makin Island, Iwo Jima. Once, a bullet bounced off his head, but he said it didn’t hurt much, though it did ruin a good tin hat. “Quite a war while it lasted” is how he described Makin Island.

Charles was slightly wounded by a gunshot on February 21, 1945. Later that month, he sent a letter to his parents, Anne and John Fitzgerald. On March 1, 1945, Charles was killed in action on Iwo Jima. He was 25 years old. He body was returned to the states, and he was buried in Wisconsin Rapids.

Written by: Pa-Nyia Thao, East Junior High School