Charles Tomczak

Charles enlisted in the army in 1942, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers. He served in the 7th Infantry Division and saw action in the Pacific Theater of World War II, most notably in the Battle of Okinawa. After the Japanese surrender, he served as part of the temporary military government in South Korea. After returning from the war, he utilized the GI Bill to attend college and went on to become a middle school science teacher in Erie, finishing his career at Wilson Middle School.

Throughout his life, Charles faced many difficulties, including losing both of his parents at an early age. Yet, when our nation needed him most, he accepted the call to service without hesitation. Many of friends never returned from the war. He never forgot them, and he honored their memory through a lifetime of service to his family and to his students in the City of Erie school system. That legacy has been an inspiration to us all and continues to inspire us today.