Sgt Charles D. Kearns served as a U.S. Marine from 1962-1967 performing duties as a Drill Instructor(DI) at MCRD San Diego. In Vietnam, he served as a Recon Marine Sniper experiencing considerable combat action. Due to a fire in the building where his service records were stored, his records were destroyed including a record of medals, awards, citations, letters of commendation etc. His wife remembers three Purple Hearts, National Defense Service Medal and numerous other medals and awards that have been lost in numerous moves of the family. Sgt Kearns also served on active duty as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1974-1977 performing duties as a Drill Sergeant followed by two additional years in the Army Reserves being honorably discharged for his service to his country.