Butehorn, Charles

June 12, 1925 - November 27, 1944

Charles was born in Richmond Hill on June 12, 1925 to Catherine and Henry A. Butehorn. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Bethpage grade school, then went on to graduate Farmingdale H. S. Charlie was a scholar in Latin and History. His dream was to be a history teacher. When he graduated he had a 4.0 average. He was president of the Red Cross Council and a member of the National Honor Society and the Community Council.

He was awarded a scholarship to Syracuse University. He worked for Republic Aviation. In November he joined the Army. He left for overseas duty on April 14, 1944 after basic training at Camp McClelliac Alabama.

Pvt. Butehorn was in the 384th infantry in Europe. Charles was wounded participating in the second invasion of France on August 16, 1944. He contacted malaria while he was in the hospital.

After being discharged from the hospital he returned to the infantry in France. Charlie was killed in the invasion of Southern France on November 27, 1944. He is buried in Pinelawn National Cemetery next to his brother, mother and father who was a WWI Veteran.

He is survived by his brother Henry Butehorn and sisters Ms. Madeline Cramer and Dorothy Keniski.

In 1945 the returning Bethpage World War Two veterans held a meeting at the Powell Avenue Grade School.

Vito DeFanis, who is a Charter Member, Post Commander, and current Quartermaster explained it was the beginning of the V.F.W. The Butehorn Brothers were selected to be named in honor of the newly formed V.F.W.

Compiled by Joan Poppe, American Legion Auxiliary #86