Senior Master Sergeant Charles Langston
Born in Blytheville, Arkansas, he moved to Delta, Texas at the age of three and worked for a food supply company before entering the service.
On February 26th, 1917, Senior Master Sergeant Charles Langston was born in Blytheville, Arkansas. When he was just 3 years old, he moved to Delta, Texas with his mother and father. Senior Master Sergeant Charles Langston worked for a food supply company during these years, before enlisting into what was then called the air service, right before world war 2, on July 31st, 1937. During the war, Senior Master Sergeant Langston was likely stationed in Puerto Rico, where he met his wife, Olga Elena Gerardino y Villanueva.
Senior Master Sergeant Langston continued his career in the military, after World War 2, serving in the Korean War as well. Towards the end of his career, Senior Master Sergeant Langston’s wife Olga unfortunately passed away during his service. Despite this, Senior Master Sergeant Langston continued serving for 2 more years, being discharged in 1963, 26 years to the day from his enlistment, just before the Vietnam War began to heat up. By the end of his service, Charles Langston had achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
Senior Master Sergeant Langston’s service inspired those around him to a great degree, including his son Robert in his own service. Private First Class Robert E Langston served in the 25th infantry division of the US army during the Vietnam War. Tragically, Private Langston made the ultimate sacrifice on June 5th 1969, dying in South Vietnam. The death of Senior Master Sergeant Langston’s son acts as the greatest reminder of the inspiration that Senior Master Sergeant Charles Langston was such a force of good, that he was able to inspire others to live courageously in service to one’s community. Senior Master Sergeant Charles Langston passed away at the age of 54 on October 6th, 1971, after a long career in the military, leaving behind a legacy of service to his country.