Retired Col. Charles Correll

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Keith James | Retired Col. Charles Correll began his Air Force career in June 1953, entering as an aviation cadet where he served as a navigator and radar observer for eight years. He later commissioned as an officer. A master navigator with more than 4,000 flying hours, Correll initially flew on the KB-29 - a refueling variant of the B-29 bomber.  

DALLAS, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

11.06.2015

Story by Senior Airman Keith James 

3d Audiovisual Squadron

DALLAS - Retired Col. Charles Correll began his Air Force career in June 1953, entering as an aviation cadet where he served as a navigator and radar observer for eight years. He later commissioned as an officer. A master navigator with more than 4,000 flying hours, Correll initially flew on the KB-29 - a refueling variant of the B-29 bomber.

At the time, the Air Force transitioned to a new aircraft, the KC-135 Stratotanker where Correll was offered the opportunity to become part of the initial cadre. He also earned a civil engineering degree and was able to take up an instructor job at Squadron Officer School. He later deployed to Vietnam.

During his Vietnam tour, Correll flew the C-123 on 165 night forward air control combat missions out of Nakom Phantom, Thailand, as part of the 606th Special Operations Squadron where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals. Upon returning from Vietnam, Correll transitioned to Air Force Civil Engineering where he commanded two squadrons and served in joint assignments for Engineering and Services in Military Airlift Command until 1979.

After 26 years of service, Correll retired and dedicated his life to volunteering. Much of his community involvement included dedicating several hours to the Christian Community Action Pantry Warehouse that annually serves 10,000 individuals in need of assistance with food, housing, education, job training and medical services.

A member of the Denton County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, Correll helped build a 21-mile passenger rail system that serves over 3 million passengers per year.

Correll continues to be involved with fellow retired military officers in the North Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Military Officer’s Association of America as treasurer, vice chairman, and completing terms as chapter president of the North Dallas Chapter.

Even after retiring, Correll continues to serve and be a patriot in his community.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2015
• Date Posted: 11.06.2015 16:35
• Story ID: 181235
• Location: DALLAS, TEXAS, US