Beaufort’s Charlie Simmons, 75, graduated from St. Helena High School in 1964 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967 in Stamford, Conn. After boot camp at Parris Island and Infantry training, he went straight to Vietnam into Quang Tri province during the Tet Offensive. During his 13-month tour there, he experienced intense combat. He returned to Parris Island as a coach on the rifle range and was medically discharged in 1969. In 1972 he joined the Civil Service, first working at Naval Hospital Beaufort then at Parris Island. In 1987 he left the Civil Service to begin farming on St. Helena Island, including the raising of large livestock. He has a grandson who serves as a Warrant Officer in the Army and a son-in-law who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel (Army) chaplain.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
