Mayhlon Bruce Charles was born June 4, 1925 in Clearwater County, Minnesota to Elmer and Myrtle Charles. He grew up in Sinclair Township and attended school at Neving and the Westby School in Sinclair Township. 

Mayhlon entered the Army on October 7, 1943 and was sent to Texas for training. He was a rifleman with the 358th Infantry Regiment. He was wounded on July 4, 1944 in France in the Battle of Normandy.

An excerpt from “Battle History; Third Battalion, 358th Infantry” says, “On July 2, I and L Companies moved up to a main line of resistance west of Coigny. From these positions, the Regiment attacked at 0515 with the third Battalion in reserve. As the opposition was quite determined both I and K Companies were committed by noon. The attack continued all day in the face of extremely determined resistance which caused heavy casualties. It was here that tanks were used for the first time in support of an attack. By night the Companies had reached the railroad tracks just south of Le Sablons. From here at 0600 on the 4th the Battalion attacked southwest meeting very stiff opposition which forced them to withdraw at least three different times. By 1800 the enemy’s line was pierced as the companies advanced on the double to take the town of Les Belles Croix as well as some twenty-five prisoners.”  (Lt. Colonel Charles B. Bryan, Commanding)

Mayhlon was honorably discharged on October 2, 1945. He passed away on November 10, 1998 and is buried in Westby Cemetery.

Plot: 3     Side:  South       Row from Bottom: 5

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