Charlie

"We ate grass, worms and a dog. Tige, good old Tige. A starving man isn’t picky about what he eats." Those are the words that began an article I wrote for a magazine about Charlie more than 30 years ago. I did the interview at his house in North Texas. The title of the piece was, "March to Death, Walk to Hell." Charlie was part of the Bataan Death March in World War II. He died this week at 95.

He survived the death march and was a POW for 42 months. He could tell you stories that you didn’t want to hear. Yes, he did receive numerous medals for his service, but when he and all the others were finally rescued, he was literally skin and bones. It took a long time for him to recover.

He taught and coached at the local school where he grew up. He was the postmaster - twice. And, he had children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To most, Charlie was just a regular guy.

I remember him because I was in one of his classes. If we pushed him, he would share some of the milder stories about his experiences. It was years later when I did the interview and realized what he and thousands when through in the labor camps.

Charlie may just be one of those that can stand at Heaven’s gate and tell Saint Peter, "Let me in, for I’ve served my time in hell."

Rest in peace Charlie. The world is a little better place because you were here.

I just hope they realize it.

PMO
©2013