Charles Simcox was born in 1922 to Charles F. and Emma G. Simcox who lived in West Whiteland Township, just outside of West Chester, Pennsylvania. His father worked on a farm.

Charles was one of 11 children: Alice, Ellwood, F. Amos, Sarah E. Marian, Eleanor M, Charles F. Jr., Walter W. Stella M. Edward, and Stephen.

Charles attended West Chester Junior High School, (adjacent to the high school on Church and Biddle Streets). He left school to help support his family, a common way of life during the depression. Charles found employment at the Bickman Paper Mills in Downingtown. He became engaged to Betty Roth on Price Street.

Charles volunteered for service in the Army in September 1942. After basic training and advanced training, he was shipped to the European Theater of Operations in June 1944.

He was assigned to the 317^th Infantry Regiment, 80^th Infantry “Blue Ridge” Infantry Division, also known as “Patton’s Troubleshooters”.   Hero Robert Miller from Malvern also served in this Division, albeit the 318^th Regiment. 

Charles’ Divison trained in England, and was ferried to France on LST (Landing Ship Tanks) and Liberty ships, landing at Omaha Beachhead in Normandy on August 2 (D-Day plus 57).  On August 8^th his division went into battle over the LeMans bridgehead in the XX Corps area.  They were hastily ordered into battle to stop the German counterattack at Avranches.

The 80^th Division maneuvered to close a loop around the Germans, called the Falaise Pocket, then mopped up the area capturing thousands.

Charles was wounded in action on September 16th, and was awarded a Purple Heart. After recovery, returned to duty.

In November, Charles division maintained a defense west of Seil, preparing for the Third Army’s sweep into the vital industrial Saar Basin. This sweep began on November 8^th with the 80^th Division advancing across the basin with heavy casualties.  

After a ten day well deserved rest in late November, the division was hastily called on line to stop the German advances during the Battle of the Bulge.

Staff Sergeant Charles Simcox was Killed In Action on December 24, 1944 in Luxembourg.

He was buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, in Luxembourg City. He received the Distinguished Service Cross, as well as the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster (a second Purple Heart).

His brother Walter was a Navy Gunner’s Mate Third Class in the South Pacific.