Lt. Col. Charles Olson

September 7, 1921-May 26, 2012 at 8:40 p.m.

Chuck died peacefully surrounded by family. Known by many names; Pops Scoshie, Marn and Chuckles by his wife, but never Mr. Born in Muskegon, Michigan. His mother passed when he was 8, he was raised by his grandmother as his father was a traveling salesman.

Active in Boy Scouts Troop 7 then Sea Scouts until joining G Company 126th Infantry September 1939. Father lied about his age so he could get into OMTC Comp. Joined G Company in 1939, he wanted more than anything to be a pilot but his legs were too short, even when a parachute was placed behind him. He tried to get into US Air Corps, but was declined as he had no college, so he took the test on the sly and aced it. He was admitted and went to bombardier School and Navigation Squad Training. He graduated on April 21, 1943 as a Bombardier "Best in Class". Ended up in the 379th Bomb Group (b-17) best in the 8th Air Force because of outstanding ability was raised t lead Bombarded on high priority targets. Flant and fighter was awarded a DFC and 6 air medals along with 2 Presidential Citations.

"Got out of the Army as soon as the Japanese quit."

Returned to Michigan, married and had four children.

Rejoined in the next two years and received two Governors Citations for outstanding duty.

"Drilling was good pay, got full days pay for each drill completed compared to 40 cents per hour."

Went to Germany.

Taught ROTC at UW Washington, then Vietnam in the coe of. Came back and told the Admirals and Generals they wouldn't fight each other. They said he was speaking of the wrong war. He got overlooked twice and decided his career was ended.

38 Decorations

18 only on dress blues

Graduated Muskegon Senior High Class of 1939

University of MD, BS

City University Seattle MBA, MPA

In one of his graduation books it reads that he finished college in the same amount of time a regular non military student would.

"Got shot at lots" "They never drew blood."

Beyond loving his country

Chuck was an avid hunter and fisherman, never getting his taste filled to not catch yet the bigger catch. (even if it meant standing on his step daughters fishing line)

He loved crabbing, oyster and clam digging teaching many a grandchild. (Which he had many)

He loved the ocean and was at the beach in Grays Harbor as much as he could go.

He loved his SMOGs group where he could shoot the bull about war days. Chuck loved to listen to church music and sat in the corner seat of the back row.

Life loved Chuck and he loved life to its fullest.

Favorite verse:

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.