World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Charles C. Heckel
Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
Decatur, Illinois
Honored By
Family
After Joining the ARMY AIR CORPS In 1942, He flew P-38's in the 474th Fighter Group, 428th Fighter Squadron, European Theater of Operations. While on a mission, he had a mid-air collision on October 13, 1944, and parachuted into Germany where he was captured by the Wermacht. He spent seven months as a POW at Stalag Luft III in Sagen; Stalag VIII D in Nuremberg, Langwasser; and Stalag VII A in Mooseburg. He was liberated by General George S. Patton's advancing 3rd Army on April 29, 1945. He departed Camp Lucky Strike at Le Havre, France on May 22nd with convoy UC-69 aboard the Santa Margarita. He arrived in New York City on June 3rd, Dock 15, and sent to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.