CHARLES J. KOVALESKI, LT, USNR
Charles Kovaleski '39
Lucky Bag
From the 1939 Lucky Bag:
CHARLES JOSEPH KOVALESKI
Detroit, Michigan
"Joe" "Charlie" "Koval" "Stan"
FROM the hub of the automobile industry Charlie brought as his entering assets a winning smile and a winning way. Though not much of a conversationalist at first, he soon learned to yell "no se puede ganar" as loud and unmeaningfully as any of us. He can be found helping others with their problems (heart and academic) part of almost any study hour. Charlie early acquired the habit of being correct, and though reluctant to admit it, he is a savoir of no mean ability. Even the executive department noticed his change from a staunch red mike to a dashing young snake. This lad from Michigan is a fine fellow and a super-swell roommate. He's going places. Watch him!
Wrestling 4; Boxing 3, 2; Radio Club; Boat Club; Language Club; Stars 4, 2; 3 Stripes.
CHARLES JOSEPH KOVALESKI
Detroit, Michigan
"Joe" "Charlie" "Koval" "Stan"
FROM the hub of the automobile industry Charlie brought as his entering assets a winning smile and a winning way. Though not much of a conversationalist at first, he soon learned to yell "no se puede ganar" as loud and unmeaningfully as any of us. He can be found helping others with their problems (heart and academic) part of almost any study hour. Charlie early acquired the habit of being correct, and though reluctant to admit it, he is a savoir of no mean ability. Even the executive department noticed his change from a staunch red mike to a dashing young snake. This lad from Michigan is a fine fellow and a super-swell roommate. He's going places. Watch him!
Wrestling 4; Boxing 3, 2; Radio Club; Boat Club; Language Club; Stars 4, 2; 3 Stripes.
Loss
Charles was lost on July 7, 1943 when the PB4Y-1P Catalina patrol bomber he was aboard crashed while practicing aerial gunnery near NAS Barbers Point, HI. The entire crew of eleven were killed. They were members of Photographic Squadron (VD) 3.
Charles was a "LT, A-V(S), USNR," which meant he was an "aviation officer of the Volunteer Reserve appointed for special service."
He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial Hall Error
Charles is not listed with his classmates. He was identified through the diligent efforts of Leslie Poche, a volunteer who combed through SHIPMATE issues to find operational losses not accounted for in Memorial Hall.
Charles is one of 76 members of the Class of 1939 on Virtual Memorial Hall.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
