Charles Alfred Carden was born on July 23, 1947, in Clover, VA, to Irving and Alberta Carden. The family moved to Plainfield, NJ, in 1954. His home of record is Plainfield. He had one brother, Richard, and two sisters, Gladys and Julia. Charles attended Washington and Hubbard Junior High Schools.
Carden left Plainfield High School in his junior year, to enlist in the US Army on October 14, 1964. He attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4) and was assigned to Company A, 1st Brigade, 35th Infantry Regiment.
On May 29, 1966, at the age of 19, Carden died of gunshot wounds while in action. He is buried in Coles Family Cemetery in Clover, VA.
He was awarded the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the Republic of Vietnam Military Merit Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.
Sources: Public Schools of Plainfield, various websites and NJVVMF,Photo from VVMF.
12/17/2024