William Charette Obituary

William "Doc" Charette LAKE WALES, FL - William "Doc" Charette, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2012 due to complications of surgery. He was born and raised in Ludington, Michigan. Master Chief Charette served at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC; FMF, 1st Marine Division, Korea, USS Quillback (SS424), USS Triton (SSN586), Fleet Ballistic Missile Training Center, Charleston, SC, USS Daniel Webster (SSBN626), Naval Hospital, Orlando, FL, USS Simon Bolivar (SSBN646), and at the Recruit Dispensary, Orlando, FL; where he retired from the Navy on April 1, 1977. While serving as a Navy Corpsman with the Marines in Korea in March of 1953, he was written up for the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 12, 1954. In May of 1958, while on board the USS Canberra (CAG2), he made the final selection on the World War II Unknown Soldier, now buried in Arlington National Cemetery. On April 30, 1999, the Charette Health Care Center in Portsmouth, VA was dedicated in his honor. It is recognized as the flagship hospital for the East Coast. He is a member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the Korean War Veterans Association, William R. Charette Chapter 158, Elks Lodge 1974, V.F.W. Lodge in Lake Wales, FL, USS Sea Peachers Association, Fleet Reserve Association in Charleston, SC, Florida Chief Petty Officer Association and many other charitable organizations. He is preceded in death by his son, William "Billy" Charette. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Louise Fraiser Charette; children, Margaret A. Henderson, Kathryn M. Donovan, Laura L. Bennett and Michael R. Charette; beloved sister, Margaret "Peggy" Ezdebski; brothers-in-law, Bill and Stewart Fraiser; and five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held 1:30pm Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. For those who wish, donations may be made to The Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point (Post Office Box 309, Mount Pleasant, SC 19465). Condolences may be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths