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Charles E. Storrs, Jr.

Charles E. Storrs, Jr.

No. 19676 • 9 Jan 1933 – 22 Nov 1981

Died: Died in Decatur, GA

CHARLES E. STORRS, JR. was born on 9 Jan 1933 to Charles and Alice Storrs in Batavia, NY. He lived in Bergen, NY, attending school there until he went to the Manlius School, an honor military school. When he graduated from there in 1950, Charlie went directly from his high school graduation to the U.S. Military Academy one month later. He received an honor military school appointment, one of only twelve from this source in 1950, attesting to both his academic and military ability.

Charlie’s time at Manlius was well spent and prepared him for the rigors of Plebe year, which he easily lived through. It seemed that all the rattles and storms plebes went through never bothered Charlie. He always had a winning smile on his face, except when being addressed by an upperclassman. Then the smile disappeared, but a twinkle was always evident in his eyes. During all four years he was a G-2 “Rowdie,” participated in intramurals, and worked on the Howitzer staff as an assistant editor. The only bump in the road Charlie encountered was a few incidents with a collapsed lung. Even this merely slowed him down; he soon was back up and running at full speed again. Charlie had spirit and pluck to do the best in whatever he attempted.

Charlie was one of four G-2 Rowdies who lifted the Corps spirit before an Army-Navy football game. He, Dick “Turk” Benfer, and two from ’53 “borrowed” a canoe from an instructor, launched it into the Hudson River, and stealthily paddled down to South Dock where a Navy destroyer was anchored. There were two paddlers, one painter, Turk, and Charlie, who had to keep the canoe from bumping into the ship and arousing the watch, even though they had thought to bring along an old Army blanket to muffle the sound. The plan was to paint “Go Army Beat Navy” in large orange letters on the side of the destroyer. As the canoe drifted with the current, Turk Benfer, who was a hive, had to paint the words backward. He did well until he came to “Army.” When painted it read, “Amry.” He quickly discovered his error and corrected the spelling! The G-2 Rowdies silently paddled the canoe back to its resting place and snuck back into the barracks undetected. Such was the inimitable spirit of Charlie. Spirit in deed! The accompanying picture, taken by classmate Willis “Tiny” Tomsen in the early morning light, made the front page of the New York Times and lifted Corps and Alumni spirit everywhere.

Charlie’s first choice was Air Force, but his collapsed lung immediately disqualified him. Charlie went Infantry and completed Basic, Airborne, and Ranger schools at Ft. Benning. His first duty was with the 65th Infantry Regiment at Camp Losey, Puerto Rico. Shortly after arrival, Charlie convinced Joanne Webb, whom he had met while at Ft. Benning, to join him. She did, and they were married. Shortly thereafter, Charlie ran afoul of the Provost Marshal. He and Joanne were banned from driving on Post for a month and had to park outside the front gate and walk to any destination on Post.

A short story attests to Charlie’s humorous side. While working in the regimental adjutant’s office, he assigned a classmate as trial counsel to process a case. The classmate determined that the case was not adequately supported to expect a conviction. Nonetheless, Charlie instructed him to proceed to trial. As predicted, the case was dismissed, and the president of the court expressed his great displeasure to the trial counsel. When the situation was reported to Charlie, he noted that everyone needed a good reprimand periodically to stay focused on the big objective! Such was his sense of humor, which sustained him throughout his career.

Returning to Ft. Benning, Charlie was the adjutant for the Ranger Department from 1958 to 1959. Charlie and Joanne had two sons, Phillip and Charles “Sonny.”

In 1960, Charlie resigned his commission and began work for Southern Bell as a college trainee in Atlanta, GA. He subsequently was transferred to New Orleans, where he earned his master’s degree in economics. Charlie was always inclined towards academics. He taught management for the Business School at Georgia State University in Atlanta, where he used his leadership experience from the Army. Charlie took advantage of this position, earned his Ph.D. in economics, became a full professor of economics at the university, and taught there until diagnosed with lung cancer in 1980.

Charlie fought a valiant battle against his disease but finally succumbed on 22 Nov 1981. He is survived by Philip and Charles, who both reside in Florida.

Charlie was a wonderful and likeable man with a great sense of humor. The slightest incident brought forth his well-known smile. He was liked and respected by the officers and soldiers with whom he served, and he treated everyone with respect and concern. Charlie’s smile will be remembered by us all until we meet again and we are greeted with a question of why it took us so long to look him up!

Well done, Charlie, thou good and faithful soldier. We miss you.
 

Classmates and friends

Originally published in JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2007 TAPS.

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