DOB/DOD: July 20, 1920 (Stamford, CT) – February 21, 1945; 24 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 118 Hecker Avenue, Noroton Heights
ENLISTMENT: July 31, 1941
SERVICE NUMBER: 6030138
SHIP ASSIGNED TO: USS Lexington (CV-16), Torpedo Squadron 9
NAVY ENLISTED CLASSIFICATION: RM = Aviation Radioman
STATUS: MISSING IN ACTION (buried at sea)
FAMILY: Born to Bernard Rossi (1870-1973) and Mary Salini Rossi (1878-1952). Both of them were born in Italy. Siblings are Louise Rossi Visciglio (1901-1985), John (1905-1991), Silvio (1907-1986), Yolanda Rossi Brister (1909-2002), Fred (1911-2011), and Alice Rossi Grimm (1922-2004). 1 Graduated from Darien High School, Class of ’39.
From Ancestry.com.
Awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Photo contributed by Tom Grimm.
Charles was working in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, when he entered the Navy. The library’s annual report from June 30, 1945, included a bio of each of the employees that were killed in the war. The entry for ARM1 Rossi:
From Fold3.com, “History of Torpedo Squadron Nine,” pages 134 and 135.
The Lexington retired to refuel on D plus 1 Day, but on D plus 2 Days, the squadron returned to action with two air-support hops. Lt. Stetson led the first and eight-plane predawn takeoff. This time, the target was gun positions on Mount Suribachi, menacing Marine positions on the south flank. Attacking at low altitude, the flight made several runs, dropping bombs and firing rockets. Several rockets found their mark, and the Target Coordinator confirmed that bombs had hit the target “on the nose.” The flight returned with the feeling of having accomplished something. But the elation over the morning success was cut short by tragedy. As the afternoon hop took off, Lt(jg) Walter A. Jacobs, 22, of Chicago, spun-in while joining up to lead the flight. Both he and his crewmen – Theodore S. Malikowski, AOM1c, 23, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Charles B. Rossi, ARM1c – were killed. Rossi’s body was recovered and buried at sea.
Letter to ARM1 Rossi’s parents dated February 22, 1945. Contributed by Tom Grimm.
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Rossi
118 Hecker Avenue
Noroton Heights, Connecticut
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rossi:
This letter is to amplify the Navy Department telegram on the loss of your son Charles. We all here in the squadron share your bereavement. In so far as security regulations permit, I will relate the circumstances of the accident. On the afternoon of February 21st, Charles was flying in the plane piloted by Lt. (j.g.) Walter A. Jacobs. They had just left the carrier deck and were joining up with other squadron planes for an attack mission against the Japanese. The plane went into a steep bank and hurtled into the water. An accompanying ship, then near the scene, dashed to the spot, only to find no signs of life. After an intensive search, they discovered Charles’ body. He was later buried at sea with appropriate services. The Catholic Chaplain on board held a special memorial mass for your son and Malikowski, who was also on the plane. Many of the squadron personnel attended.
As you perhaps recall, Charles used to be my radioman. He was a conscientious, cheerful, and valuable man in the squadron and will be missed in many ways by all of us. All three of the victims were members of the squadron on the initial cruise. It will be difficult to find anyone who can come up to their high standard.
Charles’ personal effects have been checked by two officers and shipped by the squadron to the Naval Supply Depot at Clearfield, Utah. They should be forwarded from there soon after receipt and ought to reach you in a matter of months.
Our deepest sympathy to you in your great loss.
Sincerely yours,
Byron E. Cooke, Lt-Cmdr., USN
WEBMASTER NOTE: Lt Cmdr Byron E. Cooke was killed in action on March 26, 1945, on Okinawa. He and his crewmate are buried together in Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo from the USS Yorktown, now a museum ship docked at Patriots Point across the river from Charleston, South Carolina. Contributed by John Brister, nephew of ARM1 Rossi.
Photo from the Library of Congress in Washington DC that honors employees who were killed in World War II. Contributed by John Brister, nephew of ARM1c Rossi.
Memorialized at the Honolulu Memorial, Courts of the Missing, Court 1, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo from ABMC.gov. 3
1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://findagrave.com
3 – https://abmc.gov