World War II Honoree
Civilian on the Home Front
Charles Witsell, Sr.
Hometown
Little Rock, Arkansas
Honored By
Charles Witsell, Jr.
Relationship
Son
AFTER THE U.S. DECLARED WAR ON JAPAN AND GERMANY, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENLIST IN THE ARMED FORCES BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HIS MANAGEMENT POSITION WITH THE MISSOURI PACIFIC RAILROAD MADE HIS SERVICE ESSENTIAL TO THE WAR EFFORT. HE WAS DETAILED TO OVERSEE THE ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION OF TROOP TRAINS THAT MOVED MILITARY PERSONNEL ESSENTIALLY FROM INDUCTION STATIONS TO CAMPS AND FORTS THAT TRAINED MILITARY PERSONNEL FOR SERVICE TO THEIR COUNTRY. THIS TASK LASTED FOR THE ENTIRE TIME OF WWII.