RHOADES, CHARLES J.
WILLAMETTE — Funeral services for Master Sergeant Charles J. Rhoades (Johnny Gist), son of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Gist, Grapevine Road, will be held Monday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m. from Holman and Hankins in Oregon City. Interment will be at Mt. View Cemetery with Marines in charge. Master Sgt. Rhoades, who was killed in action in Korea January 29, 1953, is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of Louisville, Ky., a sister, Mrs. Clyde Inman (Jessie Gist), Willamette, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Gist.
He was born on June 11, 1924, in Portland, attended Willamette Grade School, in his freshman year at West Linn High School he was a member of the football team. He then quit school and went to work for Bernert Towing Company. He was active in Boy Scout work under the leadership of E. A. Woodworth and was awarded a life membership certificate by Mr. Woodworth. On October 6, 1942, he enlisted in the Marines and had served more than 10 years at the time of his death. He was to have returned to the States in February for a 30-day leave. The last time he was home in Willamette was in May, 1951, his first time home from Korea. He was then stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., he and his wife making their home in Long Beach, until July 15, 1952, when he again left for Korea. His parents spent several days visiting with them before he left for overseas.
Mrs. Rhoades received a letter from the Commandant of the Marine Corps to inform her that she is entitled to a Gold Star in lieu of a second Purple Heart certificate, and was sent a Purple Heart certificate posthumously awarded her husband, the late Master Sergeant Charles J. Rhoades, U.S. Marine Corps, in the name of the President of the United States and by direction of the Secretary of the Navy, for wounds received by him in action against the enemy on January 29, 1953, which resulted in his death.
A Purple Heart which is being engraved will be forwarded to her within the next month together with the Gold Star and engraved Gold Star Lapel Button. He was awarded the Purple Heart for a wound received in action against the enemy on July 20, 1943. She also received a copy of the Presidential Unit Citation with ribbon bar and star awarded the First Marine Division, Reinforced, for service in action against the enemy in Korea, inasmuch as her husband served as a member of that organization during the period specified in the citation.
The Good Conduct Medal and Bars (Second and Third Award Bars) for his service 1942-1945, 1945-1949 and 1949-1952 respectively; The American Campaign Medal indicative of at least one year’s service in the United States during World War II; the Asiatic-Pacific Area; the Navy Occupation Service with Asia clasp for service in Japan 1945; the China Service Medal for service in China 1946and the Victory Medal for his service during World War II. She also received his United Nations Service Medal and he was also entitled to the Korean Service Medal, but these medals are not available for issue until after the cessation of hostilities in the Korean area. When that time comes, one will be forwarded to Mrs. Rhoades.
Master Sgt Rhoades and Mrs. Rhoades were married May 20, 1950, in Louisville, Ky., and she had been making her home there with her parents while her husband was overseas. She arrived here last week and is staying with his parents for the present time. She will leave for Kentucky the end of the month where she will make her home with her parents.