Capt. Charles R. Petty was in Okmulgee, Oklahoma the son of Frank Petty and Lottie Ochenrider. He grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Central High School where he played a cornet and he was president of the band. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 and entered the V-12 program. He attended Oklahoma University and Louisiana Polytech. In 1944, he entered boot camp. He served in China in World War II with the rank of Master Sergeant. He earned a reserve commission in 1945, and a permanent commission in 1949. From August of 1950 until September of 1951, he served with the First Marine Division, 1st Armored Amphibian Battalion in Korea where he earned the purple heart with two oak leaf clusters and a unit citation. He was a liaison officer to the British 41st Independent Commandos and participated in their activities such as the raid on Songjin. The Captain's rank came in July of 1953. Capt. Petty was stationed at Camp Del Mar, Camp Pendleton Marine Base, in the test and experimental Amtrac Company. His wife, Mrs. Betty Sue (Eastland) Petty, resided there with their two daughters, Jeanne Ellen, 7 and Jennifer, 7 months.
(Daily Times Advocate, Escondido, CA Friday, October 2, 1953).

Services Set for Marine Captain Killed in Accident
Funeral services will be held in his home city of Oklahoma City for Marine Captain Charles R. Petty, who was killed Thursday at San Jose when his car crashed into a tree. Capt. Petty, who resided at 1943 Vermont place in Escondido, was expected home Saturday by his wife and two daughters. Funeral for Capt. Charles R. Petty, 29, a resident of Oklahoma City who died in an auto accident September 30 while on marine duty at Camp Del Mar, Calif., will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Street & Draper funeral chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park cemetery.
(The Daily Oklahoman).

Obituary information supplied by Ron Reid.