SGT Charles S. Martin
1928-1953
USMC
WWII & Korea
Charles Stuke Martin was born August 31, 1928 in Cass County, Illinois, to Charles and Ramona Stuke Martin.
Following his high school graduation, Martin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in August, 1946, and served for 18 months at the conclusion of World War II. He transitioned to the USMC Reserves until he reenlisted for active duty on September 29, 1950 as a Sergeant with E Company in the 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Martin was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, the combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.
Established in 1914, the 5th Marines 1st Battalion based at Camp Pendleton, California was deployed to fight the Communist force invading the Republic of Korea and were engaged in conflicts in the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon, Seoul and Chosin Reservoir.
Between his tours of active duty, Martin married Lois Wirth on June 20, 1949 in Fox River Grove and they had two children, one of whom he never met.
SGT Charles Martin was killed in action in on March 23, 1953 when he stepped on a land mine while leading a combat patrol during the Korean War. His body rests in Barrington’s Evergreen Cemetery.
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Remember. Honor. Teach.
Courtesy of Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.