Charles Cowdry Pursley

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 23, 2003:

Charles Cowdry Pursley Born October 15, 1927 - Died January 11, 1983 Charles Cowdry "Charley" Pursley was born in San Antonio, Texas on 15 October 1927 and was appointed to West Point as a Qualified Alternate. His West Point classmates recall: "Give Charley a rope to climb and he's in his prime. Due to academic difficulties his first year here at West Point, Charley was not one of the fortunates to make the five year course in four. Charlie is too easy to get along with for he just won't argue when you want to. If we overlook the fact that Charley is a 'Brat' and consider only his human traits, we will all agree that he will be a success." During his cadet days Charley went out for Gymnastics, was with the Dance Orchestra, the Ring Committee and with the Weight Lifting Club all four years; went out for Track and was with the Model Railroad Club plebe year; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Charley went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division in Korea; served from 1952 to 1953 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Charley's next duty assignment was with the 364th Infantry Regiment where he served until 1954. In 1957 Charley resigned his commission as a Captain. In 1963 Charley returned to active duty and was assigned to the Staff & Faculty at the Army Aviation School where he served from 1963 to 1966. From 1966 to 1967 Charley served with the 25th Aviation Battalion and as S4 with the 145th Aviation Battalion, Republic of Vietnam and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy and four Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. On return to stateside Charley was assigned to Headquarters, United States Army PHC where he served until 1969. From 1969 to 1972 Charley served on the Staff & Faculty, United States Army School of the Americas and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. From 1972 to 1973 Charley again served in Vietnam, this time at the Military Assistance Command and he was decorated with the Combat Infantryman Badge. Charley's last military assignment was with the 53rd Air Defense Artillery Basic Combat Training Brigade where he served from 1973 to 1976 and was awarded a second Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Charley retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. Charley died on January 11, 1983 in San Antonio, Texas. Mrs. Charles C. Pursley (Patricia) makes her home in Dothan, Alabama. jac; 18450, wc 453

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