Winkler, Charles E.

Description

Charles E. Winkler was born February 9, 1908, a son of the late Charles and Mary Graham Winkler. He had three sisters, Marion, Theresa and Catherine and two brothers Thomas and Robert. He was educated in the Rye public schools. In Rye his family lived at 755 Boston Post Rd and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Charles enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Charles served as a corporal with Battery C of the 539th Field Artillery Battalion and earned the American Service, European African-Middle Eastern, World War II Victory and Good Conduct Medals.

The use of artillery reached its zenith in World War II. The technical development between the world wars, particularly in the United States, created a system that was second to none.

Time and time again in postwar interviews, German soldiers mentioned the fear that American artillery engendered along the front lines. They knew that as soon as an American spotter plane appeared over their positions, it would only take minutes before a massive barrage rained destruction. No matter how deep you tried to dig or how far you tried to run..

There were 238 separate field artillery battalions operating in the ETO by war’s end, with 36 105mm and 71 155mm battalions.

After the war Charles was a postal carrier with the Rye Post Office for 19 years. A lifelong resident of Rye, he moved to 18 Tyler Circle in Bulkley Manor. Charles was a member of the Church of the Resurrection and the Rye Branch of the National Letter Carriers Association. Charles was a member and past captain of the Milton Point Engine and Hose Company.

In 1958 he was credited with saving the life of a neighbor, Margery T. Garrison, when the woman’s bed caught fire and she collapsed while trying to escape from the house. Aroused by the commotion, Charles entered the smoke-filled house and carried the woman to safety. A year later, having seen no activity in the woman’s house for a number of days, he entered the home and found her dead in her bedroom.

Charles died on Thursday morning October 31, 1968 in United Hospital, where he had been a patient. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, the former Helen Daly, of the home address; a son, Frederick Werring of Amityville, N. Y.; a daughter, Mrs. Janet Martella of Yorktown Heights; three sisters, Mrs. John Kirby, Miss Theresa Winkler and Miss Catherine Winkler, all of Rye; and eight grandchildren.

A requiem mass was held at the Church of the Resurrection. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Post Script: Carles Winkler’s two nephews John A. Kirby and George J. Kirby also served in WWII. His brother in laws Martin Kirby and James Kirby served in WWI.