Charles B. Parke was born on September 11, 1923 to Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Parke who lived in Port Providence (today renamed Mont Clare).  His family moved to Spring City early in his life, residing at 138 New Street, in Spring City, Pennsylvania.  Charles was one of three siblings, including his brother Russell, and sister Alice.

He attended Sunday School and Church at the First Evangelical and Reformed Church, located on Church Street and is still there today.

Charles graduated from Spring City High School on May 30, 1943.

Charles entered service in the Army on June 16^th.   He received basic training at Indian Town Gap, further training at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas, then assigned to the 34th general Hospital in California, as a member of a medical corps.

Charles was slated for service in the European Theater of Operations (ETO)  but was transferred to the Signal Corps in April 1944, and received additional training at Camp Beale and Fort Orde, California.

Charles received a furlough to return home from west coast to visit his family and friends.   His brother Russell, who was a Seaman 1^st Class in the Coast Guard stationed in Texas, planned to return home on leave at the same time.  Charles requested and was granted a 7 day extension so he could be home during his brothers leave - they had not seen each other in over a year.  But he later learned Russell’s leave was cancelled.

He then was shipped to the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) in September, to Oahu, Hawaii.

Charles then embarked for the invasion of Okinawa which began on Easter Sunday April 1, 1945.  Charles went ashore with the Third Signal Battalion at the beginning of the invasion.

His brother, Russell was serving on board the transport Joseph T. Dickman AP-26 which supported troops landing on a different beach on Okinawa.

His parents received letters in June including photos of his buddies, and some souvenirs.  He wrote that conditions were much better on the island, as the island was finally secured.

Private First Class Charles B. Parke Died Non Battle on July 29, 1945.  Surviving nearly 4 months of combat, he died when his gun accidentally discharged while putting it away.

After the war at the request of the family, Charles’ remains were brought back to his home country aboard the transport Dalton Victory for his final rest.  Services were held at the Nelson Funeral Home at 331 New Street on Saturday March 19, 1949. The reverend Garnet O. Adams, Pastor of the Spring City First Evangelical and Reformed church, officiated.  A full military funeral was conducted by veterans organizations at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, 39 Bonnie Brae Rd & Schuylkill Rd, Pottstown.