July 22, 1944 (Norwalk, CT) – February 04, 1968; 23 years old; unmarried
Last local address: parents both deceased; brother listed at 3 Yost Street, Norwalk
Enlisted on April 28, 1966; MOS: 0311, Rifleman
Tour Start Date: August 31, 1967
Service number: 2289425
III MAF, 1ST MARINE DIVISION, 5TH MARINES, 1ST BATTALION, B COMPANY
Casualty Location: Thua Thien, South Vietnam
Charles is on The Wall at Panel 37E, Line 27
Awarded the Purple Heart Medal
Richards experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on February 4, 1968. Recorded circumstances attributed to: “gunshot wound to the chest from hostile fire while on patrol.”
From The Bridgeport Post February 13, 1968
NORWALK – Marine Lance Corporal Charles E. Richards, 23, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Richards of 126 Scribner Avenue, South Norwalk, was killed February 4 while on patrol near Thua Thien, Vietnam. Corporal Richards is the first war casualty from Norwalk this year. Seven servicemen died in 1967 and three in 1966. Albert Richards, of 3 Yost Street, a brother, was informed by a Marine Corps representative Friday of his brother’s death. Military services will be arranged on the return of the Marine’s body, his brother said. Corporal Richards was a native of Stamford but was raised here and educated in local schools. Survivors, in addition to his brother, are five other brothers, George and Robert of Norwalk; John of Southport; William of Bridgeport, and Frank of Pawling, New York; three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Willis of Bridgeport, Mrs. Ella Feola and Miss Mary Ann Richards of Trumbull, and several nieces and nephews.
Lance Corporal Richards is buried at Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk; Section 11, Plot 302.
