Charles Fosha Obituary

1911-2006. CDR Charles E. Fosha, USN (ret.), a courageous defender of American liberty, died on March 3, 2006. CDR Fosha, a Silver Eagle (Organization of Enlisted Aviators) and career aviator, was held captive in Japan for more than three years during World War II. He received numerous medals and letters of commendation for acts of bravery and perseverance on behalf of fellow POWs. Charles Fosha, the youngest of ten children, was born in Riley, Kansas, on April 22, 1911. He moved to Peyton, Colorado, at an early age, and worked the family farm until graduation from high school in 1928. He was infatuated with flying. Farming pinto beans, he saved enough money to take private instruction on an Eaglerock biplane in Colorado Springs, and received his private license. Charles joined the Navy in 1931 and later received orders to flight school in Pensacola, Florida. His distinguished career included three fleet tours attached to squadrons on board USS Saratoga and USS Yorktown. CDR Fosha served overseas in Port Lyautey, Morocco, and Keflavik, Iceland. He was also assigned shore duty in Pensacola, Memphis, Tennessee, Norfolk, Virginia, San Diego, CA., and Corpus Christi, TX. On February 1, 1942, he was ordered to attack Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands.(http://www.tighar.org/Projects/Devastator/ surveyamerican.htm). Two planes were lost in battle and the six crewmen were captured and sent to prison camp in Zentsuji, Shikoku Island, Japan, where they spent the remainder of the war. Charles was repatriated in August of 1945. CDR Fosha's commendations include the Good Conduct, National Defense, Navy Occupation, Korean Service, American Campaign and World War Victory medals and ribbons. In March of 1946, President Truman awarded CDR Fosha the Navy and Marine Corp Medal for heroism during captivity. The citation was signed for the President by James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy. CDR Fosha was a true gentleman, loving husband, supportive father and proud grandfather. His wife of 66 years, Edna Owens Fosha, passed away on May 7, 2003. He is survived by three children: Charles E. Fosha, Jr. and wife, Jane of Colorado Springs, CO.; twin daughters, Randi Lutz and husband, Mike of Niceville, FL. and Rhonda Maygarden and husband, Jerry of Pensacola, FL. Other survivors include seven grandchildren: Daniel and Katherine Fosha of Colorado Springs, and Lt. Rebecca Fosha of Pensacola; Michael Lutz of Gainesville, Fl.; and Margaret Lutz Stuber (John) of Norfolk, VA.; Louis A. Maygarden of Birmingham, AL.; and Morgan Maygarden Gleason (Tim) of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces. CDR Fosha was interred at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors. The family requests that contributions be made to the Samaritan Hands Fund at First Baptist Church 500 N. Palafox Pensacola, FL. 32501 or Naval Aviation Museum PO Box 33104 NAS Pensacola, FL. 32508-3104 for Naval Aviation Pilots Exhibit.