Chief Master Sergeant Charles Douglas King
United States Air Force Pararescueman (PJ)
Vietnam War — Missing in Action (MIA)
Born: March 29, 1946 — Muscatine, Iowa
Date Lost: December 25, 1968 — Laos
Status: Missing in Action
Memorial: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall — Panel 36W, Line 76
Honored At: Courts of the Missing, Honolulu Memorial
A Hero Born in Iowa
Charles Douglas King grew up in Muscatine, Iowa, a community that would later honor his bravery in schools, parks, and memorial gatherings. From an early age, he carried a strong sense of duty and compassion — a drive that would lead him into the heart of one of the most selfless units in the U.S. military.
Pararescueman — A Guardian of Life
King became a Pararescueman (PJ) in the United States Air Force, part of an elite brotherhood trained to rescue downed aircrews and injured soldiers from the most dangerous battlefields. Pararescue is not only about skill — it is about answering the call when others can’t, even at the risk of your own life.
Christmas Day, 1968 — A Daring Rescue Mission
On December 25, 1968, during the Vietnam War, CMSgt King participated in a mission to rescue an injured pilot trapped behind enemy lines in Laos. The situation was perilous, with intense anti-aircraft fire and hostile forces closing in.
During the extraction attempt, King and the injured pilot were being lifted aboard a helicopter by hoist cable when, amid enemy fire, the cable snapped, causing both men to fall back toward the ground.
Even then, amidst chaos and danger, King’s thoughts were first for his crew. He urged the helicopter to flee to safety to protect the other airmen. His selfless command saved lives that day, even while he and the pilot were left behind.
Missing, Remembered, and Honored
King’s remains have not been recovered. He is officially listed as Missing in Action (MIA), and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues to pursue answers. His name lives on at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., where family, comrades, and visitors pause to remember him.
He is also honored at the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
Awards & Recognitions
For his extraordinary courage and selfless sacrifice, Charles Douglas King has been honored with:
- Air Force Cross (second-highest U.S. military decoration for valor)
- Silver Star
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal
- Purple Heart (posthumous)
These awards show not only supreme bravery under enemy fire but also a life dedicated to saving others at the greatest possible cost.
Legacy in Names and Places
King’s legacy continues far beyond medals and memorial walls. Many facilities have been named in his honor, serving as daily reminders of his service, valor, and sacrifice:
- King Manor at Andrews Air Force Base
- King Street at Scott Air Force Base
- Other memorials and tributes across veteran communities
These living landmarks keep his name and spirit available for future generations.
🌟 Reflection
A Pararescueman is defined not by fear, but by the courage to stand in its path — and to put others first.
On Christmas Day 1968, CMSgt Charles Douglas King embodied that spirit.
His story reminds us that heroism isn’t only about survival — it’s about courage in the face of impossible odds, and compassion even in the darkest moments.
Coolbeaners Appreciation
At mickyspano.com/, we honor the men and women who stepped forward when our nation called.
Today, we proudly recognize Chief Master Sergeant Charles Douglas King, United States Air Force Pararescueman — an exceptional warrior, a compassionate guardian of life, and a hero who gave everything in the effort to save another.
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