C54 landing during the Berlin Airlift
C54 landing during the Berlin Airlift
Charles Henderson enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 2, 1948. The Air Force was only three months old and was operated by U.S. Army Officers and NCOs who followed Army regulations and directives. In effect, Charles received U.S. Army "Basic Training" which was a total of thirteen weeks. After basic training, he was sent to the 59th Air Depot Wing Griffis AFB in Rome, New York. In July he was deployed to Burtonwood AFB, Warrington, England, along with the entire 59th Air Depot Wing.
During his Air Force career, Charles served in the "Berlin Air Lift", also known as "The Berlin Blockade" and "Operation Vittles" from 1948 to 1949. He also served from 1953 to 1954 in Korea at K-9 Air Force Base near Pusan. Charles retired from the USAF in April 1968 with the rank of Technical Sergeant. During his twenty-year career he received the following decorations and service ribbons: National Defense Service Ribbon, AF Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Ribbon, Medal for Humane Action with BAD, United Nations Service Ribbon, Korean Service Ribbon, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.