Valley resident Alice Wolcott recently donated her late husband’s original United States Navy uniforms to the Sampson Naval Training Center in Romulus, New York.
Her husband, Charles Francis Wolcott, and 350,000 other World War II Navy personnel trained at the Romulus base.
Below is a story submitted by the Wolcott family along with Charles’ uniforms to the Sampson Naval Training Center.
CHARLES FRANCIS WOLCOTT
10-15-1926 TO 10-9-1998
UNITED STATES NAVY
3-3-43 TO 12-23-45
U.S.S. LST-579
SHIP’S COOK SECOND CLASS
Charles was born in Sayre and grew up on Elmer Avenue. He was the son of Earl and Margaret Wolcott. Charles had siblings, in no particular order, Lehman, Clifford (Buck), Larry, Woodrow, Hilda, Beverly and Virginia.
Charles left school early and joined the Navy on 3 March 1943. He attended what is now Sampson State Park, for his Basic Training. He also received secondary skill training at the Cooks and Bakers School in Memphis, Tennessee.
He was assigned to Navy ship U.S.S LST-579, a troop, cargo and equipment transport vessel, commissioned on 21 July 1944. Charles and his ship set to sea and eventually crossed the Equator on 18 September 1944.
U.S.S. LST-579 earned three battle stars for her World War II service and the Occupational Medal for Japan.
After the “war to end all wars” Charles returned to his home in Sayre. Shortly thereafter, he met Alice Lucille Kreidler, the only daughter of James and Dorothy Kreidler also of Sayre.
Charles and Alice were married June 1, 1946, and eventually settled on Lehigh Avenue, next to the tracks in Sayre. They remained married until his death in 1998.
Along the way Charles fathered 9 children, alongside Alice the couple had Malcom, Francis, Joseph, Ellen, Warren and Wayne (twins), Judith, Gifford and Scott.
Along the way, Charles had jobs at local industry like stints at Stroehmann Bakeries and Lehigh Railroad. Eventually, Charles ended up employed by the Sayre school district. His first assignment was at the old Central school, where he and friend Joe Kennedy cleaned up.
What Charles was most noted for was time employed at the high school as custodian, maintenance man and bus driver. He spent many years at that school until he retired.
Charles passed unexpectedly October 9, 1998. In our home he was proud to be referred to as “THE OLD MAN.” He was the captain of our ship! He was also quick to point out his Navy Cook background, especially around the holidays when his Navy talent and training would bubble to the surface.
ORIGINAL UNIFORMS DONATED BY: ALICE WOLCOTT AND THE WOLCOTT FAMILY 2024
