Charles Edward Collene

Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps

Charles Edward Collene was born on 12 January 1946.

Champ attempted to enlist in the U.S. Air Force immediately after graduating from Colonel Crawford High School in 1964, but was given a medical deferral. After working for the Timken Company for a year, he tried again to get into the military, this time successfully enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He told his Timken manager, "We've got a job to do over there, and someone has to do it."

After completing basic training, Champ was shipped to Vietnam. On 12 May 1967, Private First Class Charles Edward Collene was serving with 1st Platoon, 1st Armored Amphibious Company, 1st Field Artillery Group, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force, in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, PFC Collene was killed in action when he sustained wounds from artillery, rocket or mortar fire. His body was recovered.

Medals

Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Honors

The name Charles E Collene is located on Panel 19E Line 93 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

PFC Collene is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Bucyrus, OH.

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