Lt. Charles E. White, USNR, Military Biography

  While a part-time student at the University of Illinois from 1937 to 1941,  Charles E. White was in the university's ROTC program (1937/38). On September 27, 1939 he enlisted in the Illinois National Guard, Co. A, 33rd Division, 129th Infantry at Dixon, Illinois.  On July 16, 1941 he was honorably discharged from the Illinois National Guard at the convenience of the government to reenlist as a flying cadet in the U.S. Naval Reserve.  On August 22, 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Seaman, Second Class, V-5, for four years and transferred to inactive duty.

    He reported as a student aviator to the Naval Reserve Air Base, St. Louis, Mo., on October 19, 1941 and remained there until January 25, 1942.   He was then transferred to NRAB, New Orleans, La., on January 29, 1942 for further training as a student aviator until detached on 16 February 1942.

    He reported to NAS, Pensacola, Fla., on February 18, 1942 and served as an aviation cadet until September 7, 1942.  During this period a picture of all University of Illinois Allumni (Flying Illini) in flight training at Pensacola was taken.  On August 8, 1942 he was commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reserve to date from July 18, 1942.  On September 7, 1942 Ensign White was designated a Naval Aviator A-V(N) (Heavier-than-Air).  From September 8, 1942 to November 25, 1942 he attended flight instructors school and from November 26, 1942 to December 22, 1942 was a primary flight instructor at Pensacola.

    On December 29, 1942 Ensign White was transferred to NAS, Norman, Okla., where he served as a primary flight instructor through August 3, 1944.  On July 5, 1943 he was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant(jg) to rank from July 1, 1943.

    On July 31, 1944, Lt(jg) White received orders to "proceed to San Francisco, Calif., and report to the Commandant, Twelfth Naval District, for first available government transportation, including air, to the U.S.S. Cowpens (CVL-25), and upon arrival report to the Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Cowpens, (CVL-25), for duties involving flying."  He was detached from NAS Norman on August 4, 1944 and on September 5, 1944 departed the U.S. aboard the U.S.S. General M. L. Hersey (AP-148).  On September 14, 1944 the General Hersey crossed the equator and all non-shellbacks were initiated into the "Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep."

    Lt.(jg) White reported aboard the U.S.S. Cowpens on September 28, 1944.  He was awarded the "Fall Guy" certificate for participation in the "Streamlined Bait" group action of October, 1944.  On November 6, 1944 he was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant to rank from October 1, 1944.  On November 23, 1944 his classification as an officer in the Naval Reserve was changed from A-V(N) to (A1)L.  While aboard the Cowpens he held the following duties (at one time or another and in no particular order): Air Plot Officer, Air Department Personnel Officer, Exam Board, Air Operations Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, Assistant Air Officer, Censor and Fly Control Officer.  His battle station was Fly Control.   Here is a picture of him standing watch.

    Lt. White was detached from the U.S.S. Cowpens on October 29, 1945 and reported to the Commander Fleet Air, West Coast, NAS, San Diego, California, for further assignment by the Chief of Naval Personnel.  On November 2, 1945 he was ordered to NAS, Jacksonville, Fla. for temporary duties involving flying.

    He was ordered to the Naval Personnel Separation Center, Great Lakes, Ill. on December 13, 1945 and was detached from NAS, Jacksonville on December 23, 1945.  He reported to the Naval Personnel Separation Center, Great Lakes, Ill. on December 29, 1945 and was released from active duty on January 2, 1946.

    The ribbons Lt. White was authorized to wear include the American Defense, Navy Unit Commendation, Phillipine Liberation with Two Bronze Stars, American Theatre, Asiatic-Pacific with Four Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory.

   While aboard, the Cowpens participated in the following listed naval actions (Carrier Task Force operations).   (Transcribed from documents posted in his service records.)

  The aircraft he flew during his military service were mainly trainers.  His service records listed the planes he flew and the hours in each type.  The links will launch a new browser window and take you to the Aviation Enthusiast Corner page for that aircraft type.  Just exit the browser window to return to this page.

Reference

Officer Service Records, Lt Charles E. White, USNR