Charles P. "Chuck" Etling -

Chuck was drafted in 1942 into the US Army during WWII. After training in Ft. Rucker, Alabama, he was sent immediately overseas and assigned to the 34th Infantry Division. Chuck first saw battle in North Africa, where he was awarded a purple heart after being shot.

After recovering from his injury, Chuck returned to action and was involved with the Allied landing in Italy at Anzio Beach, where he was wounded again. Once he recovered, Chuck was put back on the line.

As the US Army advanced into Italy, he was wounded for the third time - a serious leg injury that required him to be transported back to the US. While in Ft. Devins, Massachusetts, Chuck was treated and fitted with a leg brace. He was then discharged in 1943.

During his time in the military, chuck received the Bronze Star for gallantry, the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the African Theater of Operations medal and the Italian Theater of Operations Medal.