During WWII, Charles enlisted in the US Army Air Corp in October 1942 and served as an airplane mechanic with the 8th Fighter Command, P-51 Mustang Group stationed North of London. On V-E day, May 8, 1945, Charles' unit flew into Germany, as he told it, "17 in a B-17" with missions to repair an airstrip, liberate prisoners of war, and provide mercy aid.



Returning to Missouri in March 1946, Charles married Virginia May Winemiller in June, a union lasting 72 years.