Charles Bowler  KING

"Chick"

Source : Joakim Steinweden (FindAGrave)

Spouse : Karla Heurich

Parents : Lud & Norma KING

Brother : Ludlow "Pete" 

Source : F Lavernhe 

Cotentin peninsula

 CEMETERY TEMPORARY of  Sainte Mère Eglise #2 N°3586

Story of Cemetery Temporary  

Map of Normandy American Cemetery

Charles B. KING entered the military academy of West Point in July 1924 as a young cadet, he had just turned 18 years old.

He will then follow the course of infantry officer during his 4 years of training, then promoted 2nd lieutenant on June 9, 1928.

He continued his career gradually, passing successively the ranks; 1st lieutenant, experienced section chief in 1934 then captain in June '38.

Little by little he will specialize in intelligence and will be led to occupy positions accordingly.

Source : FindAGrave

Source : Joakim Steinweden (FindAGrave) 

Thus, during one of his assignments at Fort Benning, he will participate in the creation of the Officer Candidate School of his base, he will then integrate the general staff into his new role as an intelligence officer.

A few months after the entry into the war of the United States, he will become lieutenant-colonel and eventually join the staff of the VII Corps on April 7, 1944, commanded by the dynamic Major-General "Joe" Lawton COLLINS.

The corps was then, after a long training in the 2nd Army, transferred to England to prepare for D-Day and the invasion of France.

After the initial phase of the landing, the VII Corps set out to conquer the Cotentin peninsula from Cherbourg to St-Lô.

In search of human intelligence, Colonel KING, then G-2 (intelligence officer) and assistant to the chief of staff of the army corps, moved once again with the front-line units in order to participate in the capture and immediately after the interrogation of German soldiers.

After a rapid progression, the patrol was caught under heavy machine gun fire and Colonel KING was fatally hit, his body could only be recovered several days later due to the high concentration of fire in the area.

For this action he will posthumously receive a Legion of Merit.

Source :  Joakim Steinweden (FindAGrave) 

Source : Joakim Steinweden (FindAGrave) 

COL King Memorial bronze plaque that honors Charles B. King, an American soldier killed in France during World War II at former Camp King, Oberursel, G.

Source : Joakim Steinweden

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.