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Charles Gimber Fraser
Lilah Crowe2021-06-04T21:11:14-05:00
- Name: Charles Gimber Fraser
- Location of Birth: Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada
- Date of Birth: November 17, 1919
- Date of Death: October 26, 1992 (72 years old)
- Parents:
- High School and Class: 1937 - Grand Rapids High School, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
- College:
- Highest Rank: LT COL (Lieutenant Colonel)
- Branch: Air Force
- Other Branch:
- Date Sworn In: 1939
- Place Sworn In:
- Date of Discharge:
- Place of Discharge: August 31, 1963
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- Military Awards:
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC)
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Ribbon
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leave Clusters
Air Force Reserve Medal with House Glass Device.
- Military Highlights:
Charles served in the European Theater during the early part of World War II. There, as a captain and squadron flight commander, he flew 65 combat missions out of England over France and Germany in his B-26 Marauder medium bomber, named "I'll Get By," destroying bridges and railroad yards. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a heroic mission in June of 1944.
He also served in Japan, Eniwetok Atoll of the Marshall Islands and in Germany.
During his career, Charles served as staff material officer with Special Weapons Command at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He worked with the Atomic Energy Commission and contractors for atomic energy tests in Nevada.
At Edwards Air Force Base in California, he was involved with various flight test programs, as Staff Material Officer, including the U-2 project. He was on the staff of the Inspector General of the United States Air Forces in Europe, Wiesbaden, Germany, inspecting and assisting Air Force Bases throughout Europe. The last year of his career was spent as Special Assistant to the Deputy for Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
He retired August 31, 1963.
- Wars Involved:
World War II
- MIA / POW:
- Civilian Life:
Charles' home was in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended the local schools.
He was employed by Blandin Paper Company until his enlistment in 1939.
In July, 1943, at Eglin Field, Florida he married Dorothy, also known as Gail Falancer.
Charles died at Madigan Army Center in Tacoma, Washington, and is
buried at Sequim View Cemetery in Sequim, Washington.
- Tribal Affiliation(s):
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