Charles H. Coolidge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. Coolidge
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| Born | August 4, 1921 Signal Mountain, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | April 6, 2021 (aged 99) Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Technical Sergeant |
| Service number | 34286521 |
| Unit | Company M, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division (United States) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star Bronze Star Medal Legion of Honour (France) Croix de Guerre (France) |
| Spouse(s) |
Frances Seepe
(m. 1945; died 2009) |
| Children | Charles H. Coolidge Jr. John Coolidge William (Bill) Coolidge |
| Other work | Bookbinder, printer |
Charles Henry Coolidge (born August 4, 1921 – died April 6, 2021) was an American soldier. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this award for his amazing courage in France during the war.
When he passed away, Charles Coolidge was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the European part of World War II. He was also the last one to have received the medal during the war itself.
Contents
Early Life and School
Charles Coolidge was born in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. This was on August 4, 1921. His parents were Walter and Grace Coolidge. He finished high school in Chattanooga in 1939. After school, he worked with his father. They worked at a printing business, where Charles helped bind books.
Serving in World War II
Charles Coolidge joined the United States Army on June 16, 1942. He trained at Fort McClellan in Alabama. Later, he joined the 36th "Texas" Infantry Division. In April 1943, his unit went overseas to Algeria. They then fought in Italy, including the Salerno landings.
As a machine gun section leader, he showed great bravery. He earned the Silver Star medal in Italy on May 31, 1944. This was just before the city of Rome was captured.
Heroic Actions in France
On October 24, 1944, Coolidge was a technical sergeant. He led a group of soldiers near the German border in France. Their job was to hold an important hilltop called Hill 623. For four days, enemy soldiers attacked their position. On October 27, two enemy tanks also attacked. Coolidge and his group fought them off using grenades. One tank fired five times directly at Coolidge, but he was not hurt.
For his incredible bravery during this battle, Coolidge received the Medal of Honor. Lieutenant General Wade H. Haislip gave him the medal. The ceremony took place in Germany on June 18, 1945.
Life After the War
After the war, Charles Coolidge lived near Chattanooga, Tennessee. A highway and a park there are named after him. He continued to work at his family's printing business for many years.
His son, Charles H. Coolidge Jr., became a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force. In 2006, France honored Charles Coolidge. He received the Legion of Honour at a ceremony in Coolidge Park.
Family Life
Charles Coolidge married Frances Seepe in 1945. They were married for 64 years. Frances passed away in 2009. They had three children: Charles, William (Bill), and John.
Charles Coolidge died on April 6, 2021, in Chattanooga. He was 99 years old. He was buried next to his wife at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Military Awards and Honors
Charles Coolidge received many awards for his service. Some of his most important awards include:
- Medal of Honor
- Silver Star
- Bronze Star Medal
- Legion of Honour (from France)
- Croix de Guerre (from France)
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Presidential Unit Citation
Other Ways He Was Honored
- In 2013, Charles Coolidge was featured on a U.S. Postal Service stamp packet. It showed 12 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II.
- The Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga is named after him. It opened in 2020.
- Coolidge Park in Chattanooga is also named in his honor. It has a carousel, a fountain, and is a popular place for events.
- A nine-mile part of U.S. Route 27 in Tennessee was renamed the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Highway in 1989.
See also
Images for kids
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Combat Infantryman Badge
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Medal of Honor ribbon
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Silver Star ribbon
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Bronze Star Medal ribbon
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Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon
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American Campaign Medal ribbon
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal ribbon
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World War II Victory Medal ribbon
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Army of Occupation Medal ribbon
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Legion of Honour ribbon
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Croix de Guerre ribbon
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Presidential Unit Citation ribbon
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Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon
