Name: Charles Benjamin STICKLEY
Rank / Rating: GM3-Gunner's Mate Third Class
Service #: 621 42 71
DOB: Apr 19, 1921
From: New Hartford, IA
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Stickley
Went Aboard: May 11, 1945
Age When Ship Went Down: 24 years, 3 months, 11 days
Spouse: Mrs. Lola Stickley
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Carl Fahnestock (Admin)
Date Posted:

Gunner’s Mate Third Class Charles Benjamin Stickley was born on April 19, 1921 at Parkersburg, Iowa. He is survived by his spouse, Mrs. Lola Stickley, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Stickley of Parkersburg, five sisters and one brother, Robert who was stationed with the Army in the Philippines. Charles enlisted in the United States Navy on October 31, 1942 at age 21. He received his initial Boot Camp Training at USNTC (United States Naval Training Center), Great Lakes, Illinois. Unique in comparison to the typical Boot Camp graduate, he was sent from Great Lakes to Commando Training in California. From there, he saw action in New Guinea as well as serving on an Australian ship. Subsequently, he also served on an ammunition ship for several months. Then, following a well earned leave home, he reported aboard USS Indianapolis (CA-35) on July 16, 1945 for departure on the ship’s last mission. Charles was Lost at Sea as a result of the July 30, 1945 sinking of Indianapolis. A Memorial Service was subsequently held for Gunner’s Mate Stickley in Shell Rock, Iowa. Geyer-Bickner American Legion post No 66o of Shell Rock had charge of the services.