'Information for Soldiers Going Back to Civilian Life' booklet   Save
Charles Walder Parke WW2 Collection
Description: 65-page booklet distributed by the U.S. War Department as an informational guide for newly discharged veterans on re-adjusting to civilian life. Topics covered include what to do prior to coming home, how to treat military clothing and accessories, how to get help with finding employment, instructions for those in the Enlisted Reserve Corps, and veterans' benefits. Most of the two-page spreads include a black and white illustration. The back of the booklet also contains space to record pertinent personal and military information for the veteran's own use. C. Walder Parke was removed from active status in the Army Air Forces and assigned to a reserve unit on September 21, 1945. Charles Walder Parke was born on July 28, 1924, and grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1942 intending to be a pilot during WWII, but spent most of his military career as a navigator on B-17 Flying Fortresses in the 94th Bombardment Group. Parke earned two Bronze Stars, an Air Medal with several Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his successful bombing missions, including some over Berlin. He is best known for being on board a B-17 which was shot down over France by German planes on June 25, 1944, during a non-combat mission. The crew managed to make an emergency landing, and everyone inside survived. After the war, Parke founded the Cleveland-based Laurel Industries Inc., which became a prominent supplier of antimony oxide to the plastics industry. He died of Lou-Gehrig’s Disease on September 15, 1996, at the age of 72. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: MSS1510_B03F05_001_01
Subjects: Military discharge; United States. Army Reserve; Veterans
Places: Washington (District of Columbia);