Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
Herman
Older
September 29, 1917

–

June 17, 2006

Born:

Hanford

, 

California

Home:

Hanford

, 

California

Buried: 

Los Angeles

, 

California

Cemetery:

Forest Lawn Cemetery

Charles Older started service as a Marine Corps aviator in 1940, but resigned his commission to join the AVG “Flying Tigers” in China, where he became a DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 10 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces after the AVG was disbanded, he became a TRIPLE ACE after shooting down 8 more enemy aircraft for a World War total of 18 aerial victories. He left the service after the war and pursued a career in law, becoming a superior court judge in Los Angeles. He became widely known for his role as the presiding judge in the 1970-71 trial of mass murderer Charles Manson.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    76th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Charles Herman Older (ASN: 0-375578), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 76th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    76th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Charles Herman Older (ASN: 0-375578), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 76th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.