World War II Honoree

Charles Lee Earnhart

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Lebanon, Ohio

Honored By

Mary L. Bible

Relationship

Daughter

HE WAS A P-38 PILOT FOR THE 49TH FIGHTER SQUADRON, 14TH FIGHTER GROUP, 12TH AIR FORCE. HE WAS STATIONED IN NORTH AFRICA AS AN AIR FORCE CAPTAIN AND COMMANDER OF THE 49TH P-38 FIGHTER SQUADRON IN NOVEMBER OF 1942, AND CARRIED OUT MISSIONS UNTIL JANUARY 28, 1943, WHEN HE WAS SHOT DOWN AND CAPTURED. HE WAS A PRISONER OF WAR FOR 27 MONTHS. HE WAS HELD AT STALAG LUFT III AND HELPED DIG THE TUNNEL FOR THE 'GREAT ESCAPE,' BUT WAS MOVED TO ANOTHER COMPOUND A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE THE ESCAPE. HE WAS MADE A MAJOR UPON HIS RELEASE IN THE SPRING OF 1945. HE RECEIVED THE SILVER STAR, DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, AIR MEDAL AND PURPLE HEART.