Charlie Reichert
U.S. Navy, 1943 – 1946
Charlie Reichert enlisted in the Navy during World War II, primarily motivated to avoid being drafted into the Army. He completed basic training at Bainbridge, Maryland, followed by specialized training at Fire Control School. Reichert served as an electrician aboard the USS Dobbin, a destroyer tender stationed primarily in the Pacific Theater, including significant time in New Guinea. His responsibilities involved electrical maintenance and repairs crucial to the operational effectiveness of ships during wartime. The USS Dobbin provided essential support services to multiple naval vessels, repairing equipment and enhancing fleet readiness. Reichert’s Navy experience shaped his resilience and professional skills, influencing his civilian career post-war. After the war, Reichert lived in Jacksonville, FL and North Carolina, before moving back to Monticello, Florida, where he lived on his family’s homestead and worked for the postal service for twenty-seven years.
Full Interview
Interview Summary
Access the complete transcript here
Introduction (00:00–00:36)
Early Life and Family in Monticello (00:36–06:14)
Enlistment and Navy Training (06:14–11:50)
Wartime Service in the Pacific (11:50–16:29)
Wartime Reflections and Historic Moments (16:29–29:58)
Post-War Transition and Civilian Career (29:58–36:58)
Legacy, Community Service, and Veterans’ Advocacy (36:58–42:59)
Final Reflections and Personal Philosophy (42:59–45:50)
