EDITOR’S NOTE: These are the final blogs about Charles Hunter. We thought it fitting to wrap up this series Veterans Day weekend. We have been sharing entries from Old Tillamook Times, provided by Sandi Burgess Botten Dean, featuring Karen Kranweiss Nudelman’s blog in which she describes the search and book writing that started a little over 10 years ago when she first received “the letters” and began reading. Then came the idea for a story, then a book – “Dear Folks” tells a young man’s story through letters he wrote home to his parents in Tillamook, Oregon. Watch for more information about the book. Links to the introduction to the story and the series are below.
By Karen Krantweiss Nudelman
While visiting the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, Kim and I had the opportunity to review over 1,000 documents which told the story of the Hunter family and their contributions to their community. In one folder, I found this Citation of Honor given to Chuck’s family after his death. I’ve never read anything like this before. It left a lasting impression on me -one that’s taken me months to work through.
September 22, 2015, marks 70 years since Chuck’s death while serving in the Army Air Corps. I thought it was time to share this on the blog, along with my own thoughts on the message.
He lived to bear his country’s arms. He died to save its honor.
As an avid hunter, Chuck grew up around rifles. Annual hunting trips were established to not only provide meat for his family, but to create lasting memories with his father. In November 1942, almost a year after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army. He was ready to bear arms for a greater purpose – to defend his country from further attacks. When the war ended in the Pacific, certainly he longed to go home. However, he knew his job was not over. According to a fellow radio operator, Chuck was one of first airmen to see Tokyo. One month after peace was declared, Chuck was killed in a routine supply run. Routine. Nothing was ever routine when it came to flying in 1945.
He was a soldier….and he knew a soldier’s duties.
His sacrifice will help keep aglow the flaming torch that lights our lives…that millions yet unborn may know the priceless joy of liberty.
According to Webster’s dictionary, “liberty” is defined as the state or condition of people who are able to act and speak freely; the power to do or choose what you want; a political right.
As I read these words, I think back to the Baby Boomers who tested the strength and endurance of their liberty by speaking out against racism and sexism. I think about Americans today who are still fighting to enjoy the liberties others often take for granted. I know that light still burns, but it hasn’t yet touched everyone who will benefit from its promise.
And we who pay him homage and revere his memory, in solemn pride rededicate ourselves to a complete fulfillment of the task which he so gallantly has placed his life upon the altar of man’s freedom.
For the last two years, Kim and I have been dedicated to creating an enduring legacy for Chuck. We are currently the custodians of his story, as there are no family members left to share it. Upon reading the Certificate of Honor’s beautifully crafted statement, I felt the need to expand our mission. It’s not enough to tell his story. We must pick up where he left off and never stop fighting until every American – no, every human being – can create their own lives and leave their unique mark on the world.
Here are links to the previous stories about Karen’s journey to document Chuck Hunter’s life:
OLD TILLAMOOK TIMES: “Dear Folks” – Series #8 – One typewriter, slightly damaged …
OLD TILLAMOOK TIMES: “Dear Folks” – Series #9 – September 22, 1945