Private First Class, Charles Frederick Wade
(known to many as Freddy)
United States Marine Corps
Born- June 9, 1948
Charles left East Canton High School in 1968 to serve our country prior to graduation.
Based on military records and the information in our research, PFC Wade was assigned to F Company, 2nd BN, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Div as a Rifleman. After training, PFC Wade started his tour of duty in South Vietnam on October 16, 1968. Three months later during a firefight in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam, PFC Wade was KIA by small arms fire.
For his heroic actions and service to our country, Private First Class Wade was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Purple Heart.
PFC Wade was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, Louisville, Ohio. PFC’s Wade’s name can be found on the Vietnam Wall Panel W34, Line 11
Since Charles did not graduate prior to enlisting in the Marines. He is authorized to receive his high school diploma through state-level program call Operation Recognition. Charles received his honorary diploma posthumously by the Osnaburg Local School Board on November 11, 2022.
Osnaburg Historical Society 