Charles H. Alexander Jr.

Charles H. Alexander, Jr. is a WWII veteran who bravely served as a member of the United States Armed Forces. Serving with the United States Navy, Mr. Alexander participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. As a Landing Craft Operator, he was tasked with transporting injured troops among Sword, Utah, and Omaha beaches. At the time of his departure from the service, he was a Seaman First Class.

Following WWII, Mr. Alexander made the decision to move back to Canton.There, he married his wife and raised a family, which included three children and two nieces. Even after serving as a member of the United States Navy, he continued to be engaged in public service, becoming a United States Post Office Rural Mail Carrier. For 26 years, he reliably delivered mail to members of his community.

While career and family were focuses in his life, Mr. Alexander also made serving his community a priority. For two decades, he made a difference in the lives of area youth as a Little League coach. In addition, he continues to be a lifetime member of the Edward C. Seymour Canton VFW Post 1231. He is a founding member of the organization’s “Honor Guard” and has helped provide military honors for dozens of deceased military members throughout the years.

In recognition of his bravery and selfless service, Mr. Alexander has been honored in several ways. In 2013, he was included as part of SUNY Canton’s “Veterans’ Living History” project, which paid tribute to area WWII veterans. Through this special program, he described his experience ferrying soldiers to and from the beaches of Normandy on Landing Ship, Tank (LST) vessels in the following way: "It's scary at first, the first day or two, the first two or three trips. There's a lot of combat going on," he said. "But it kind of moves away. You get used it. You get calloused."

Mr. Alexander is a shining example of bravery, service and selflessness who has inspired countless people throughout the years to give back, whether it be by serving their country as a member of the United States Armed Forces, or by simply volunteering in their community.