ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Charles M. Rutledge, a native of Gibson City, Illinois, was a decorated United States Army Veteran, who served with honor during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and earned numerous awards during his military career.
Following his graduation from high school, at the age of 17, Rutledge enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 8, 1950. After completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he served 12 months in the Korean Conflict with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry of the 25th Division. He also served with the 'Wolfhounds' from 1955 to 1959 in Hawaii and again from January 1967 to January 1968 in Vietnam. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major on May 6, 1976. He passed away in November of 1998.
Rutledge's surviving family includes his ex-wife, Mary, and their three children; Michael, Bradley and Vicki.
Rutledge has family members who currently serve within the Department of Defense in different roles. Brad Rutledge, serves as the Chief of Shipping and Receiving at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, McAlester, Oklahoma. Another family member serving the DoD is Brad's cousin, Lt. Col. Shane Upton, who recently completed his service as the commander of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Independence, Missouri.
"Chuck was a go to war or go to jail type of guy," said Upton. "He got me acquainted with serving my country and I was inspired by his military service."
While serving with the 25th Division in Korea, Rutledge earned the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge. During his first tour in Vietnam, again with the 25th Division, he earned the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart on two occasions, the Bronze Star Medal for valor and a second award of the Combat Infantry Badge. During his final tour in 1969, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Other medals include eight overseas service bars, Vietnam and Korean service medals, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, National Defense service medal, the Army Commendation Medal, eight good conduct medals, two combat infantryman badges and the United Nations Service Medal.
"My Mom and Dad instilled leadership in us," said Brad. "I was an Army Brat, but like most Veterans of his generation, Dad never discussed what he saw when he was in combat. My mom was our anchor who worked two jobs and raised us three children while my dad was deployed." Brad recalls the many moves that were required as an Army family, plus visiting his dad five times when he was hospitalized after injuries.
"I can remember when my dad came back, he was wounded, but there was no one there to tell him what a sacrifice he made and to welcome him home. He was that kind of man. He didn't want any recognition for the service he provided to his country," said Brad.
In reflection of his dad's career, Brad had many memories of his father's strong commitment to the military and his philosophy.
"Dad always told us if you start something, you will finish it and there would be no quitting," he recalled. "He always told us never to be a quitter in anything we pursue."
"Dad was a career Soldier and enjoyed what he did," added Brad.
He recalls how his dad didn't care to be around fireworks during 4th of July celebrations. "I think it was the brightening of the sky and the crackle and boom of the fireworks that reminded him of Vietnam. I can only image what he went through when that incoming round came in and wounded him."
During one of Rutledge's deployments in Korea, Rutledge was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The citation reads: "During the early morning hours of September 6, 1952, Sergeant Rutledge's unit was attempting to reoccupy positions which the enemy had overrun near Sateo-ri, Korea. Having volunteered to participate in an assault against the well-entrenched enemy force, Sergeant Rutledge advanced with his comrades until intense enemy mortar, grenade and small arms fire broke the attack and divided the assaulting force. Several patrol members were wounded including Sergeant Rutledge. Disregarding his painful wounds, Sergeant Rutledge reorganized the men in his vicinity and led them toward the point where the platoon leader and another man were pinned down. Standing fully exposed to the enemy, he killed one enemy Soldier who was about to throw a grenade. Another enemy Soldier appeared and Sergeant Rutledge, again exposing himself, killed him also. As the ferocity of the enemy fire increased, the friendly force was slowly driven back. Sergeant Rutledge regrouped his men and led an aggressive counterattack. While leading this heroic assault, he received serious injuries which forced his evacuation. Sergeant Rutledge killed two enemy soldiers and, by his courageous actions, enabled his unit to continue the attack against the enemy."
Rutledge's family is proud of their father's service, but there are also some interesting historical family connections. Charles was a direct descendant of Edward Rutledge, who, at the age of 26, was the youngest signer of the United States' Declaration of Independence. During the American Revolution, he served with his eldest brother John, to represent South Carolina in the Continental Congress.
Another interesting family connection is to Anne Rutledge, who was Rutledge's great, great….aunt. According to Wikipedia, the legend states that Ann was engaged to Abraham Lincoln. Unfortunately, before their marriage took place, Ann became sick with what was perhaps typhoid. She passed away in 1835. Lincoln was believed to of taken Ann's death incredibly hard.
At one point during his long and illustrious career, Command Sgt. Maj. Rutledge was honored to be chosen to represent the U.S. Army to escort President and Mrs. Richard Nixon during an official dignitary visit in Washington, D.C., on February 18, 1971. The White House honored the then-Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Emilio Colombo.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rutledge selflessly served his country for more than 26 years and enjoyed his retirement years as a farmer in Gibson City, Illinois. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the AMVETS organization, and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars.
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