Master Sergeant Charles R. Cole
U.S. Army Air Force, 5th Air Force, 43rd Bombardment Group

Background
Charles R. Cole was born in September 21, 1917 to parents Arthur S. Cole and Florence M. Buzzerd Cole in Roaring Branch, PA. He graduated Canton High School class of 1937 then worked in the textile industry.

Wartime History
On October 2, 1940 enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) in Harrisburg, PA as a private with serial number 13003722. He was trained as an aircraft mechanic. On June 20, 1941 he became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). During World War II, sent overseas to Australia. Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS) as a crew chief for B-17 Flying Fortress bombers.

In late 1942, assigned as crew chief for B-17F Flying Fortress 41-24540 until destroyed January 17, 1943 during a Japanese air raid while parked in a revetment at Turnbull Field (No. 3 Strip) near Milne Bay. Afterwards, Cole removed the cockpit dataplate from the wreckage as a memento.

During 1944, Cole became the crew chief and engineer for B-17F "Miss Em" 41-24353 assigned to U.S. Army Major General Robert L. Eichelberger flying him in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) to destinations including Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines until the end of the Pacific War.

Postwar
On September 18, 1947 he became a member of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and served in Korea. In 1964 after a 22 year career in the military, he retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.

He graduated from Williamsport Community College and received a degree in electrical wiring and worked at Penn Department of Transportation (DOT) as a foreman and was the caretaker for the Green Home in Wellsboro, PA. In retirement, he earned his private pilot's license and flew as a recreational pilot and owned three different planes. He also restored a 1952 Ford then donated it to the Hershey Automobile Museum. On June 27, 1971 he married Clara D. (Jackson) Thompson Cole. The couple had one child, Raymond A. W. Cole and were married for 32 years until she passed away in 2003. On August 18, 2008 he married Alice J. (Koskey) Horn Cole.

Awards
For his military service, Cole earned the Bronze Star, Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

Memorials
Cole passed away on November 12, 2015 at age 98 at Valley View Nursing Home in Montoursville, PA. He was buried with full military honors at Roaring Branch Griffin Cemetery in Roaring Branch, PA. The grave includes the epitaph: "M.Sgt. USAF. 1940-1964 B17 41-24353".

Relatives
Clara D. (Jackson) Thompson Cole (first wife died 2003)
Raymond A.W. Cole (son)
Alice J. (Koskey) Horn Cole (second wife)

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Charles R. Cole
"1st Lt. Charles B. Downer memoir, January 17, 1943 via Larry Hickey
"On the flight line our aircraft were all knocked out of commission, and some, like our own #124540 [this B-17], were reduced to ashes. It was a sad sight. Sgt. Cole salvaged the cockpit number plate."
Star Gazette "Australian To Marry Charles R. Cole" September 17, 1943
The Canton Independent Sentinel "Army Plane Has Striking Career: M.Sgt C. R. Cole Member of Crew Serving 'Miss Em' July 5, 1945
FindAGrave - Charles R Cole (photo, obituary, grave photo)
Ken's Men Against The Empire The Illustrated History of the 43rd Bombardment Group During World War II Volume I: Prewar to October 1943 The B-17 Era (2016) pages 305 (crew photo), 383 (403rd BS roster), 389 (index Cole, M/Sgt Charles R.)
Ken's Men Against The Empire The Illustrated History of the 43rd Bombardment Group During World War II Volume I: Prewar to October 1943 The B-17 Era (2020) pages 314 (B-17 "Miss Em" flight crew photo), 392 (403rd BS roster), 398 (index Cole, M/Sgt Charles R.)

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?