AWOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

Major Charles "Bazooka Charlie" Carpenter and his gun-toting L-4 Cub

- JAMES P. BUSHA

Before America's entry into World War II, Charles Carpenter was a U.S. History teacher at a high school in Moline, Illinois and a 2nd Lt. in the Army Reserve. That all changed on December 7, 1941. By early 1942, Carpenter entered the U.S. Army and eventually earned his Liaison wings in the likes of Aeronca L-3 Defenders, Piper L-4 Cubs, and Stinson L-5 Sentinels.

Earning his "L" wings

Fort Sill, Oklahoma was selected as the post used for operational training of pilots, mechanics, and observers in "the tactical employment of organic air observation in Field Artillery units." By June of 1942, the pilot course was designed to be five to seven weeks long depending on student experience levels. Its primary focus was to train the students in the extremes of the limits of the airplane and flight envelopes they would face.

The course was developed in stages, with Stage A comprising of re-familiarization of flying techniques. Stall and spin recovery along with rapid descents were given top billing before students were allowed to proceed to Stage B. During this stage, a minimum of 20-35 hours emphasized techniques and accuracy for short-field landings and takeoffs over 20-foot barriers, minimum landing rolls and crosswind landings. Students learned to operate from tactical airstrips that were as close as possible to those supporting artillery units and battalions, and evasive maneuvers gave the students a glimpse of what would be encountered in actual combat. Stage C brought all the previous Stages together and focused on a minimum of 10 hours during which students participated in live-fire exercises with observers, along with focusing on aerial resupply, aerial evacuation of sick and wounded soldiers, aerial photography and message relay, motor convoy, camouflage inspection, and control and rapid transportation of unit commanders.