Charles William Fletcher,BG(Ret) US Army

Born: May 11, 1920 Died: Jan 2, 2013

Loving husband of 66 years, father of 6, grandfather of 14, combat hero, Army General Officer, vanguard for the rights of the blind and severely handicapped, and devout Roman Catholic. Charlie Fletcher made everyone who knew him better for the experience. Raised on a farm outside Centreville, Michigan, he did his elementary education in a one room schoolhouse. He later rode his horse the nine miles to attend high school. At an early age, he learned the value of hard work and respect for others. He lived the virtues of his West Point Alma Mater: Duty, Honor, Country. Graduating in 1941, he saw combat action from Normandy to the German heartland; earning two Silver Stars and numerous citations for bravery. After the war, he returned to the US to marry Johnnie Dillard of Temple, Texas and reclaim the car he left in her safe keeping. They would return to Germany twice in his three decades of military service. In 1956, Charlie was in the first Advisory Group to Viet Nam. A decade later he commanded I Corps Artillery in Korea. During his career, he led numerous efforts in strategic thinking to include the first course at the US Army War College. After Army retirement, Charlie took the position as Executive Director for the Committee Marketing the Products of the Blind and Severely Handicapped. In his 17 year tenure, he pioneered the establishment of blind & handicapped workshops and active promotion of their products to government agencies. He was a driving force in making Skilcraft brand pens the standard in government offices for decades. He is survived by his wife, Johnnie, Ft Belvoir, VA; two sons, Charles Jr., Fairfax Station, VA and James, Las Cruces, NM. who followed his example and became Army General Officers themselves; and four daughters: Suzanne Gauthier, Potomac Falls, VA; Mary Donohue, Winter Springs, FL; Margaret Wilson, Richmond, VA; and Anne Fletcher, Richmond, VA, who are each successful in their own right. He will always be remembered for his sterling example, his boundless compassion, his devout faith, and his occasional dry wit. He earned his eternal home in heaven where he is now, no doubt, organizing their activities.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Superintendent’s Annual Fund

In Memory of Charles W. Fletcher, Class of ‘41

698 Mills Road

West Point, NY 10996

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www.westpointaog.org

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Designation: Superintendent’s Annual Fund