Cpl. Charles Abrell lived on this earth for only 19 years, but he left a memorable legacy for his remarkable valor, self-sacrifice, leadership and patriotism.
He came from a very proud military family, where his father served as a career man in the Navy and his older brother served five years in the same service branch. Even his younger sister served as a sergeant with the WACS.
Born in Terre Haute on Aug. 12, 1931, Abrell lived and grew up in a small house on Chase Street just a few blocks north of Wabash Avenue. He attended Davis Park Elementary and Woodrow Wilson Junior High School. Only five days after his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. After recruit training at Parris Island, S.C., he was assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C. and also served aboard the USS Noble before going to Korea with the 1st Marine Division.
He was the leader of his squad, which was pinned down by enemy fire on June 10, 1951, in an assault on a hill near Hwachon, North Korea. Abrell already had been wounded by enemy hand grenade fragments, but was still fighting. Suddenly, he took off alone, ordering his platoon to stay behind. He stormed toward the enemy bunker with a grenade in his hand, pulled the pin and threw himself into the bunker, killing himself and all the enemy soldiers in the bunker. In the face of sure death, he proceeded alone and brought success to his platoon by attaining its objective.
When his recently widowed mother was informed about his death, she cried out in agony and said, “How can he die? He is just a little boy!” He was entitled to be buried in Arlington Cemetery, but his mother insisted upon keeping him close. So he was buried in a Farmersburg cemetery where his grieving mother could visit his grave often. It is marked with a simple headstone marking his name, military rank and dates.
His valiant services to the military were gratefully acknowledged by the president and Marine Division with posthumous honors. President Truman sent a citation to his mother for his gallantry. He also received a Medal of Honor and Purple Heart on June 10, 1951. He received two Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and many others.
Although this Hoosier hero was greatly appreciated nationally, he was almost forgotten by the community where he grew up. Almost 10 years after his death, people of this community wanted to honor him in a special way and set up a memorial committee. Because of their dedication and enthusiasm, several actions were taken.
--Scholarship awards to honor Cpl. Charles Abrell were set up. The recipient is selected on a competitive basis through the facilities of the National Merit Scholarship Corp.
--A commemorative plaque honoring Abrell is displayed on the bridge crossing the Wabash River on U.S. 41, north of the city.
--Members of the Joseph A. Bray Detachment 471 of the U.S. Marine Corps League in Terre Haute decided a fitting tribute would be a sculpture of his likeness on the lawn of the Vigo County Courthouse. The statue was funded by the Marine Corps League. It was done by artist Bill Wolfe and is a 6-foot bronze statue of a soldier clad in full combat gear, clutching an M-1 rifle. It was dedicated on June 10, 2000, the 50th anniversary of his death.
Abrell lived a short life, but he remains the finest example of courage, dedication, leadership and patriotism. At the darkest hour of his life, he never hesitated a moment to sacrifice his own life to save the lives of his platoon members.
The photograph shown is from the Vigo County Historical Society collection.
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