On January 17, 1966, a B-52 bomber carrying four Mark 28 hydrogen bombs collided with a KC-135 aerial tanker during a mid-air refueling at 31,000 feet over the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. The collision killed three of the seven crew members on the B-52, and all four crew members of the KC-135.
Immediately after learning of the collision, the US Air Force launched a search for the four hydrogen bombs. Three were found on land, but the fourth was presumed lost in the sea. The US Navy assembled a task force of 25 ships to search the area, and in late February the USS Forrestal arrived off Spain to lend assistance to the search through the carrier’s fleet of aircraft.
On April 2, DSV-2 Alvin, a submarine designed for deep water work, located the missing bomb, intact, at a depth of 2,900 feet. This story is not about the crash, or the search for the missing bombs. It is a more deeply personal story.
First telegram
With concern I inform you on behalf of the United States Navy that your husband, Leo I. Charters, YN1, USN, is critically injured as a result of fall from his bunk. This occurred on 19 Feb 1966 aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA 59).
Second telegram
I deeply regret to inform you on behalf of the United States Navy that your husband, Leo I. Charters, YN1, USN, died on 20 Feb 1966 onboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59) as a result of cerebral hemorrhage as the result of the accident referred to in my earlier message.
Third telegram
Arrangements will be made to return the remains of your husband, Leo Ivan Charters, to United States by air.
Fourth telegram
The remains of your husband Leo Ivan Charters, are scheduled to depart for United States by air about 23 February.
Fifth telegram
Remains YN1 Leo Ivan Charters due to arrive Pendleton ORE 320AM 2 Mar on UNPAC TR NR 18 [Union-Pacific train #18]. Groseclose Mortuary notified.
Letter from Secretary of the Navy
March 8, 1966 letter from Paul H. Nitze, Secretary of the Navy.
Photos from aboard the USS Forrestal
Honor guard and casket of Leo Charters on the flight deck of USS Forrestal. US Navy photo; scanned from a print.
The task force admiral and captain pay honors to Leo Charters on the flight deck of the USS Forrestal. US Navy photo; scanned from a print.
Pallbearers on the flight deck of the USS Forrestal carry the casket of Leo Charters for transport. US Navy photo; scanned from a print.
USS Forrestal’s Marine detachment fires a salute in honor of Leo Charters. US Navy photo; scanned from a print.
Pallbearers on the flight deck of the USS Forrestal carry the casket of Leo Charters for transport. The Forrestal was at anchor in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. US Navy photo; scanned from a print.
Notice published in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Word has been received here of the accidental death Sunday of Leo I. Charters, Navy yeoman first class, in a fall aboard his ship, the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal, while in the Mediterranean Sea. [Corrections: wife’s name should be Pearletta Charters, the three sons should be Lawrence, Lee, and Lane, and his mother is Hilda F. Shaffer. The paper was given the correct information, but managed to consistently get it wrong.]
Awards
Yeoman First Class Leo I. Charters served in the US Navy for 18 years, joining during the Korean War. His awards included:
- Navy Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars
- China Service Medal (Extended)
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars
- United Nations Service Medal
- Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
- Republic of Korea War Service Medal
- Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
