The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Charles Edward Molano, who died in the service of his country on October 9th, 1967 in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Charles was 21 years of age. He was from Wantagh, New York. Charles is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 82.
The decorations earned by PFC Charles Edward Molano include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
From the October 14, 1967 issue of the Long Island Press
Molano, who entered the Army December 8, leaves his widow Martha and two daughters, Debbie, 4 and Christine, 2; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Molano of Wantagh, seven brothers and one sister.
Mrs. Molano said her husband "never said anything about the war, except that it was hell." He was overseas for about six months. Molano had been a night student at Hofstra University before he was inducted.
Services will be held at St Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in Wantagh. Burial will be in Pinelawn National Cemetery.
Charles was very well liked and respected by the men in his platoon. His goal was to become a doctor and after several months in-country received necessary training and became a medic. However, when his former platoon became short of riflemen, he relinquished his medic's bag and became a point man/squad leader. Charles was killed while maneuvering against a sniper that had inflicted several casualties on his Company.
While in Vietnam, Charles continued corresponding with Brother Howard Hughes who had been one of his teachers, and valued mentor, at Chaminade High School. On March 23, 1968 Brother Hughes organized a concert in the memory of Charles who had been active in the Chaminade Glee Club. Howard personally conducted "Battle Hymn of The Republic" in honor of Charles.
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