Charles Edward Skidmore Jr. was born in Columbus, Kansas, on January 17, 1920 to Charles Skidmore Sr. and Henrietta (Gallagher) Skidmore. He graduated from Cherokee County Community High School in 1937 before he attended Coffeyville Junior College in 1937. In 1939, Skidmore transferred to the University of Kansas [KU] and completed a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1941.

Skidmore was accepted into the United States Army Air Corp in January 1941. However, he received his first honorable discharge from the military in November 1941. He re-enlisted in December 1941, received glider training in June 1942, and then completed the training program in April 1943 to become one of a handful of military glider pilots at the time.

He earned the rank of Flight Officer during his time in glider training and was ordered to deliver reinforcements to the 101st Airborne division on June 7, 1944. Skidmore would fly one more combat mission into Holland on September 17, 1944. After this, Skidmore was honorably discharged in March 1946. He would go on to re-enlist four more times from 1946 – 1961. He served 22 years.

Skidmore held various jobs in and out of the military, including journalist and military historian. After retirement, he volunteered with his local community: publishing newsletters, working with the Red Cross, and as an active member with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter.

Skidmore married Norma Lee Emery on August 3, 1943. Together they would have four children: Joe, Michael, Kathy, and Linda. Charles and Norma would eventually divorce, and he would go on to marry MiKyong, also known as Jeannie, in 1984.

Skidmore died in Hebron, Ohio on May 1, 2001.

[Information taken from “A Concise Biography [of Charles Skidmore Jr.]” by Leon Spencer and Michael Skidmore.]