Private First Class (PFC) Charles W. Harper was drafted into the Army on 10 March 1943 at Elkins, PA. He was sent to Camp Butner, NC for basic training, and was assigned to G Company, 310th Regiment, 78th Division. After a Christmas pass, he and twenty-seven men from G Company were sent to Europe as replacements. Harper was assigned to I company, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division at Anzio beachhead on 4 February 1944. He served as a rifleman in the 1st Platoon. Near the end of February, he was hospitalized with trench foot. He rejoined his unit in mid-May 1944 in time to participate in the breakout at Anzio. He later participated in the taking of Rome, the landing in Southern France, and the push through France into Germany. For occupation duty, he was transferred to the 9th Division and assigned to guard duty at Stalag 7 in Mooseburg. Harper was transferred to the 10th Armored Division for rotation to the United States. He was discharged from the Army on 21 October 1945.
From the description of Charles W. Harper collection, 1945. (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 60663462
