Charles W. Works was born on October 30, 1921 in Miami, Oklahoma to William W, Works and Pearl Starkey. He was of Native American heritage. The family lived in Lomita from 1931 to 1936. during that time Charles attended Narbonne High School. The family then moved to Bakersfield, California. while in Bakersfield, Charles graduated from High School. His family was again living in Lomita when he registered for the draft in February, 1942. He was employed by Guy F. Atkinson-Pollock at Terminal Island.
On July 29, 1942, Charles was inducted into the U.S. Army. At the time, he was 5’7″ tall and weighed 145 lbs. He had black hair and brown eyes. He received his basic training at San Luis Obispo, where he served in the ambulance corps. He volunteered for service as a paratrooper, receiving his training at Camp McCall, North Carolina. Charles received his paratrooper wings at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Charles was a rifleman in the 502nd Parachute Infantry regiment, 2nd Battalion, 101st Airborne Division in D Company. In September, 1944 his unit was dropped into battle as part of “Operation Market Garden” in the Netherlands. He was killed in that action near St. Oedemerid on September 22, 1944.
The Torrance Herald reported in October 1944 that Charles Work’s mother Mrs. Pearl Works lived with her mother at 2240 247th St., Lomita at the time she was notified of her son’s death. She was a hydro-press operator at Martin Stamping and Manufacturing Co. at 1230 Border Ave. in Torrance. The San Pedro News Pilot reported in January 1945 that Pearl Works formerly lived at 21908 Western Avenue, Torrance.
Charles Works was initially buried at the Temporary American Cemetery at Zon near Eindhoven, Netherlands. His body was reinterred in Margraten Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands.
Charles Works was awarded the Purple Heart and received various military theater ribbons for his service and sacrifice.
To date, research has failed to find a picture of Charles W. Works. If you have any information, please contact us.
Researched by LeRoy Jackson
