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Charles Edwin King 1918 - 1943

Charles Edwin King II was born on January 3, 1918 in Alabama United States, and had a sibling J Thomas King. He was married to Mildred Miller Rodgers in August 1942 in Massachusetts, and they were together until Charles' death on March 29, 1943. Charles King was buried on March 13, 1949 at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum 600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Charles Edwin King.

Charles Edwin King II

January 3, 1918

Alabama, United States

March 29, 1943

Tunisia

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Charles Edwin King Charles King (1918 - 1943)

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Charles Edwin King II's History: 1918 - 1943

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Introduction

This biography details the life of Lieutenant Charles Edwin King, a World War II pilot who served with distinction and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
01/3

1918

Birthday

January 3, 1918

Birthdate

Alabama United States

Birthplace

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Early Life & Education

Charles Edwin King was born on January 3, 1918, in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, USA. He was the son of Alta Lamar King (1889 – 1979) and Donna Lou Collins King (1890 – 1951), who resided at 1407 North 33rd Street in Birmingham. Charles had an older brother, Alta Lamar King, Jr. (January 8, 1915-December 1, 1916), who tragically died of tetanus before Charles was born. He also had two younger brothers, Don Edgar King (1922 – 2003) and John Thomas King (1923 – 2007). He attended Phillips High School and was active in extracurricular activities at the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Arch Club, Pershing Rifles, Delta Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity, and the Alpha Tau Omega Social Fraternity.
Military Service

Lt. King enlisted in the Army in April 1941 while a senior at the University of Alabama. He initially trained at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, for the Signal Corps. However, in December 1941, he transferred to the Air Corps. His basic flight training began at Maxwell Field in Alabama and included additional training at Avon Park, Florida, and Shaw Field in Sumter, South Carolina. He earned his pilot's wings at Spence Field in Moultrie, Georgia, on August 5, 1942. Following this achievement, he underwent advanced training as a combat pilot in Bedford, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire. Before his deployment, Lt. King had expressed a preference to serve as a flight instructor in Orlando, Florida. However, his plans changed when his company received orders for two trained combat pilots to join the first group of American forces being sent to North Africa. He was deployed overseas in November 1942. While serving in North Africa, Second Lt. Charles Edwin King, flying a Lightning pursuit plane, achieved a notable victory on Wednesday, March 17, 1943. He was credited with shooting down a German Messerschmitt 109 during an air raid on the German air base at Mezzouna. This news reached his hometown of Birmingham through an Associated Press dispatch from Allied headquarters in North Africa, as reported by Inez Stewart Tuggle in the Birmingham Post-Herald on March 18, 1943. For this act of heroism, he received a citation.
Professional Career

Army Air Corps, 33rd Fighter Group Army Serial Number (ASN)/Service Number: 0-791883 An article from The Birmingham Post on March 18, 1943 highlights Lt. Charles Edwin King's significant achievement in aerial combat during World War II. At the age of 25, Lt. King successfully shot down a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter over Tunisia, demonstrating his skill and bravery as a pilot in the North African campaign. Significance of Lt. King's Actions: Combat Achievement: The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was one of the Luftwaffe's most advanced and formidable fighter aircraft during World War II. By successfully engaging and defeating such an opponent, Lt. King contributed to Allied air superiority in the region, which was crucial for supporting ground operations in Tunisia. Boost to Morale: Individual victories like Lt. King's were widely celebrated and publicized, bolstering morale among troops and civilians back home. His achievement underscored the effectiveness of American pilots and their ability to challenge Axis forces in critical theaters of war. Role in the North African Campaign: Lt. King’s actions were part of the broader Allied effort to weaken Axis forces in North Africa, paving the way for their eventual defeat in May 1943. His victory over an enemy fighter directly impacted the air war dynamics during this period. Personal Dedication: The article emphasizes Lt. King's commitment to service, noting his decision to leave college at the University of Alabama to join the Army and later transition to the Air Force. His training and deployment overseas reflect his dedication to contributing to the war effort. Lt. King’s success in aerial combat exemplifies the courage and skill of American pilots during World War II, particularly in challenging environments like Tunisia, where Allied forces faced determined Axis resistance.
Personal Life & Family

Charles Edwin King married Mildred Alice Miller of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Hobson Miller of Mountville, South Carolina. The wedding ceremony took place on Saturday, August 29, 1942, in a twilight service at the Christ Congregational Church of Bedford, Massachusetts, with the Rev. Crawford O. Smith officiating. T. A. Custance gave the bride away in marriage, and Lieut. John G. Hoagland served as the best man. It was noted that at the time of some news articles, Mrs. King was living with her family in Greenville, South Carolina.
03/29

1943

Death

March 29, 1943

Death date

Tragically, less than a month after his air victory, on March 29, 1943, Lt. Charles Edwin King was shot down over Tunisia and killed in action. He was 25 years old at the time of his death. The War Department informed his parents of his passing on the eve of his expected visit home. In a letter written a few weeks prior, Lt. King had mentioned his commanding officer's expectation that their unit would return to the U.S. to become squadron leaders and commanders, helping to form new units before returning to the battle area, with promotions anticipated for several members. Upon learning of his son's air victory, Mr. King expressed immense pride. He stated that the news had lessened his and Mrs. King's anxiety about their son's safety as they recognized his vital role in the war effort. He further commented on his son's admirable character, saying, "His spirit and morale have been just what one might expect of a real American fighter whose ambition is to contribute something toward ridding the world of dictators."

Cause of death

Tunisia
Death location

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03/13

1949

Gravesite & Burial

March 13, 1949

Funeral date
Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum 600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama 35211, United States
Burial location
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Charles Edwin King lived 47 years shorter than the average family member when died at the age of 25.

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5 Memories, Stories & Photos about Charles

Rebekah King Fahey

61 favorites

05/25/2025

Charles Edwin King

Photo is enhanced with AI to define his features, and is from The Corolla (University of Alabama) in 1938.

Date & Place: May 1938 in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama United States

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Rebekah King Fahey

61 favorites

05/25/2025

Charles Edwin King

Photo is enhanced with AI to define his features, and is from The Corolla (University of Alabama) in 1939.

Date & Place: May 1939 in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama United States

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Lt. Charles Edwin King Funeral Services Announcement

Rebekah King Fahey

61 favorites

04/11/2025

Lt. Charles Edwin King Funeral Services Announcement

Funeral was held on March 13, 1949

Date & Place: March 11, 1949 in Alabama United States

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Rebekah King Fahey

61 favorites

03/28/2025

Lt. Charles Edwin King

Lieutenant Charles Edwin King was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 3, 1918, into the King family, which included his parents and two younger brothers, along with an older brother who passed away before his birth. He was educated at Phillips High School and the University of Alabama, where he was involved in several extracurricular activities. In August 1942, he married Mildred Alice Miller. Driven by a desire to serve, King enlisted in the Army in April 1941, eventually becoming a pilot in the Air Corps. Deployed to North Africa in November 1942, he was credited with shooting down a German Messerschmitt 109 in March 1943, earning a citation for his heroism. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was killed in action over Tunisia on March 29, 1943, at the age of 25. His valor in achieving an air victory was a source of immense pride for his family, who recognized his vital contribution to the war effort. Lieutenant Charles Edwin King is buried in Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in Birmingham, Alabama, his service and sacrifice forever remembered in his family's history.

Date & Place: 1941

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