World War II Honoree

Charles Betts, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Scotia, New York

Honored By

Michael Lynett

Enlisted in the United States Navy in 1939 and was in the Philippine Islands when Pearl Harbor was attacked. His squadron, Patrol Wing Ten, was dispersed and he ended up in Perth, Western Australia. He flew many patrols over the Indian Ocean. On a bombing run his PBY Catalina was shot down by Japanese fighters. The crew survived several strafing runs and was able to get a life raft out of the plane before it sunk. They spent eight days floating in the Indian Ocean until they landed on a remote island and were cared for by natives until rescued. He served as a Chief Petty Officer.