Charles J. Watters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Joseph Watters
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Major Charles J. Watters
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| Born | January 17, 1927 Jersey City, New Jersey, US |
| Died | November 19, 1967 (aged 40) near Đắk Tô, Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
Air National Guard United States Army |
| Years of service | 1962–1964 (ANG) 1964–1967 (USA) |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Army Chaplain Corps 173rd Support Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War
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| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Purple Heart Air Medal |
Charles Joseph Watters (born January 17, 1927 – died November 19, 1967) was a special kind of military officer called a chaplain. He was also a Roman Catholic priest.
Chaplain Watters was given the Medal of Honor after he died. This award is for amazing bravery. He earned it by saving wounded soldiers during the Vietnam War's Battle of Dak To.
A Life of Service and Bravery
Charles Joseph Watters was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on January 17, 1927. He went to Seton Hall Preparatory School and then Seton Hall University. In 1953, he became a priest. He served in churches in several New Jersey towns.
Watters loved to fly small planes. He even flew as far as Argentina! In 1962, he became a chaplain for the New Jersey Air National Guard. In 1964, he joined the U.S. Army as a chaplain.
His first time serving in Vietnam began on July 5, 1966. During this time, he earned two important awards: the Air Medal and a Bronze Star for his courage. When his first year was over in July 1967, he chose to stay for another six months.
Chaplain Watters also took part in a big parachute jump. This happened during Operation Junction City on February 22, 1967.
On November 19, 1967, Chaplain Watters' unit was fighting close to the enemy near Đắk Tô. He showed incredible bravery that day. He helped many wounded soldiers while under fire. Sadly, he was killed by a bomb from an American plane, which is sometimes called "friendly fire."
Because of his amazing actions, Chaplain Watters was given the Medal of Honor. Vice President Spiro Agnew presented the award after Watters had passed away. Chaplain Watters is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Remembering Chaplain Watters
Many places and things are named to remember Charles Joseph Watters:
- His name is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. You can find it on Panel 30E, Row 036.
- A bridge on Route 3 in New Jersey is named after him. It crosses the Passaic River.
- Public School No. 24 in Jersey City was named after him in the 1980s.
- There is a Chaplain Charles J Watters Center at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
- The Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team at Seton Hall University is called the Charlie Watters Ranger Company.
- A rose garden at the Roman Catholic Church of the Epiphany in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is dedicated to him. It has a special memorial plaque.
- The Watters Chaplain Family Life Training Center is at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
- A memorial is located at St. Michael's Church in Cranford, New Jersey. It honors his service and the Medal of Honor he received.
Awards and Honors
Chaplain Watters received several important awards for his service:
- Medal of Honor: The highest military award for bravery.
- Bronze Star Medal: Awarded for heroic acts or brave service.
- Purple Heart: Given to soldiers wounded or killed in action.
- Air Medal: For heroic actions while flying.
- National Defense Service Medal: For serving during a time of war or national emergency.
- Vietnam Service Medal: For serving in the Vietnam War.
- Vietnam Campaign Medal: An award from the Republic of Vietnam.
He also received unit awards, which are given to entire groups for their actions:
- Presidential Unit Citation (United States)
- Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Gallantry Cross (South Vietnam)
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War
- Chaplain Corps (United States Army)
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
