Rank/Rate	Torpedoman's Mate, Second Class
Service Number	385 94 01
Birth Date	November 20, 1923
From	Seattle, Washington
Decorations	Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal
Submarine	USS Sculpin (SS-191)
Loss Date	November 19, 1943
Location	North of Oroluk Island near Truk
Circumstances	Sunk by Japanese destroyer
Remarks	Charles was born in Ontario, Oregon. He survived the sinking of his boat, but was killed while being transported aboard Chuyo from Truk to Japan when it was sunk by USS Sailfish on December 4, 1943. Please note that most sources mistakenly spell the island's name "Groluk." Following is Charles' Bronze Star Citation: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL posthumously to CHARLES EARL PITSER TORPEDOMAN SECOND CLASS UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For meritorious service as a member of the Crew of the U.S.S. Sculpin during the Ninth War Patrol of that vessel in the Truk Island Area, November 19, 1943. After his ship had been severely damaged and forced to the surface during a terrific enemy depth charge attack, PITSER instantly manned his gun despite the overwhelming fury of the enemy's five-inch gun barrage and continued his persistent fire until the SCULPIN succumbed to the Japanese superior firepower. By his indomitable fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty, PITSER upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." For the President, /s/ James Forestal Secretary of the Navy

Photo and information courtesy of William Brown.  Additional information courtesy of Paul W. Wittmer.

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  Pitser, Charles Earl