July Veteran Flag to honor J. “Charles” Messier

During the month of July, the 46th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber - Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Joseph “Charles” Messier, formerly of Fairhaven who passed away April 9, 2023, at the age of 101. He served proudly in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-17 door gunner during WWII.

Known by his middle name “Charles,” he was born on November 30, 1921, and was raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Alphonse and Elmire (Vadeboncoeur) Messier. He moved to Fairhaven in 1956 and resided there for the next sixty-seven years. He was the loving husband of the late Mary (Borges) Messier.

Charles enlisted in the US Army Air Corp on October 23, 1942, in Fort Devens. He served overseas from March 3, 1944, to June 14, 1945, earning the rank of Sergeant. According to his obituary, during his time in the military, he “participated in five major bombing campaigns as a B-17 door gunner, flying into the pre-invasion countries of Italy, France, and the Balkans.” Messier served in the following engagements: Rome-Arno Campaign, North Apennines Campaign, Po Valley Campaign, South France Campaign, and Air Combat in the Balkans. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Air Force on October 20, 1945.

Messier was awarded the following decorations for his military service: The European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 5 stars, The Distinguished Unit Badge, and The Good Conduct Medal.

After serving his country, he returned home and was employed by Firestone. He later worked as a presser at the Acushnet Company Golf Division where he was employed for over 30 years.

Charles was a very talented woodworker, which he learned at an early age. He perfected his skill and became a furniture maker as well. Over the years he attended craft shows with his wife, selling his wares. He was also a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and was a member of the Fin, Fur, and Feather Club in Mattapoisett.

J. Charles Messier passed away on April 9, 2023, at the age of 101, at the Royal Nursing Center in Falmouth. He was the last of six children and was predeceased by his siblings: Leo, Adrien, Edmond and Robert Messier, and Annette Hanks. He is survived by several nieces and nephews including Lucille Kenney of Pawtucket, RI, and Raymond Hanks and his wife Bernadette of Mattapoisett. He is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford of New Bedford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford of New Bedford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber - Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@buyempireautogroup.com.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: July Veteran Flag to honor J. “Charles” Messier