1st Sgt. Charles M. King of Mobile, Ala., joined the Army in 1987 while working as an artist in Mobile. He also served in Iraq in 1990 and 1991 as part of Operation Desert Storm. He also served in Iraq in 1990-91 as part of Operation Desert Storm. He attended Cuyahoga Community College and received an associate of arts degree from Chamberlain Junior College in Boston. He also attended the Art Institute of Chicago. He worked as a fashion illustrator in Montgomery, Ala., and as an ad illustrator for a newspaper in Mobile, Ala. before joining the Army in his late 20s. While in the Army, he became intrigued by the heroism of the 761st Tank Battalion, an all-black unit that served in World War II. His interest in the unit prompted him to create several illustrations depicting it in battle. A collection of his work was part of a Black History Month display at the Pentagon in 1998. More of his artwork is now being exhibited at military museums at Fort Lewis near Tacoma, Wash., and at Fort Knox, Ky. Charles and his wife who lives in New York, have a 6-month-old son whom he saw for the first time the month before he died. He also has a daughter. He was 48.
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The following was provided by Contributor Kathy O. Smith-Hundley (50145738):

Excerpts from Mysterious Ways (magazine) Feb/Mar 2023, p. 37:
"Charles was deployed to Iraq in 2005. He has a baby named Jordan waiting for him back home and begins keeping a journal, filled with memories, love and advice in case something happens to him. He mails it home to his fiancee, Dana. Shortly after, he is tragically killed in combat."
Excerpts from various websites, including "History vs Hollywood":
Dana Canedy, a Pulitzer Prize writer, wrote a memoir in 2008 entitled "A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor." This 200-page journal was printed as "A Father's Legacy". The book caught the attention of actor Denzel Washington, who decided to make a film out of it, and direct it, entitled "A Journal for Jordan". The film was released December 25, 2022.

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Army
1st Battalion,
67th Armor Regiment,
2nd Brigade,
4th Infantry Division,
Fort Hood, Texas.