Technical Sergeant Charles H. Coolidge was born in Signal Mountain, TN, on August 4, 1921. He graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1940 and worked in his family’s printing business until drafted in June 1942.  He went overseas with the 36th Infantry Division in spring 1943 and saw action in North Africa and Italy, earning the Silver Star. From October 24-27, 1944, Coolidge led an untested machine gun section, protecting his battalion’s flank near Belmont-sur-Buttant, France. Facing a superior German force supported by armor, Coolidge frequently put himself in harm’s way and repulsed numerous attacks. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for this action. He returned to the print shop after the war, raised a family, and spoke often of his wartime experience. He died on April 6, 2021, and was buried alongside his wife, Frances.

*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events.

CHARLES H COOLIDGE

Service

WORLD WAR II

MEDAL OF HONOR

SILVER STAR

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

US ARMY,

TSGT

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

Biography

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us