During World War II, an American pilot named Major Charles Carpenter, also known as “Bazooka Charlie,” became famous for his daring and creative approach to combat. He managed to destroy at least six German tanks and several other armored vehicles using bazookas attached to his small airplane, the L4 Grasshopper.
Before the war, Carpenter was a history teacher in Moline, Illinois. In 1942, he joined the army, eager to help in the fight. After completing his flight training, he was assigned to fly light observation planes. These planes were used to scout battle areas, report enemy positions, and help direct artillery fire. Carpenter was sent to work with General George Patton’s Third Army Group, which was moving through France toward Germany, and he was attached to the Fourth Armored Division.
Besides his reconnaissance missions, Carpenter also served as a private pilot for General John Wood, the divisional commander. However, Carpenter wanted to be more involved in the action. During one mission, his unit was surprised by German soldiers. Carpenter bravely took charge, climbed onto a tank, and fought back. Although he faced some trouble for accidentally firing on friendly forces, General Patton admired his courage and dropped the charges.
Carpenter’s thirst for action led him to come up with a bold idea: he mounted bazookas onto his airplane with approval from his superiors. He named his plane “Rosie the Rocketer,” inspired by Rosie the Riveter, a symbol of women working in factories during the war. Carpenter’s strategy involved diving at enemy tanks and firing rockets from above, which proved to be very effective against German armored vehicles.
One of Carpenter’s most famous missions took place on September 20, 1944, during the Battle of Arracourt. He successfully attacked German panzer units, firing multiple rockets and helping to support U.S. forces that were under heavy attack. His bravery earned him several awards, including the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Sadly, in early 1945, Carpenter was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and returned home, where he resumed teaching history. Despite his illness, he lived for another 21 years. In 2017, the remains of “Rosie the Rocketer” were discovered in a museum in Austria and were restored by the Collings Foundation. The final artwork on the plane was painted by Carpenter’s granddaughter, preserving his legacy.
Imagine you are Major Charles Carpenter, also known as “Bazooka Charlie.” Create a comic strip that illustrates one of his daring missions. Use your creativity to show how he attached bazookas to his plane and his strategy for attacking enemy tanks. This activity will help you understand his innovative combat tactics and bravery.
Build a model of the L4 Grasshopper, the plane used by Carpenter. Use materials like cardboard, paper, or any craft supplies you have. Add details such as the bazookas and paint it to resemble “Rosie the Rocketer.” This hands-on activity will give you a better understanding of the aircraft’s design and its role in World War II.
Pretend you are Major Carpenter and write a diary entry about one of your missions. Describe your feelings, the challenges you faced, and the outcome of the mission. This writing exercise will help you empathize with Carpenter’s experiences and the historical context of World War II.
Research another World War II hero and prepare a short presentation for the class. Compare and contrast their contributions with those of Major Carpenter. This activity will broaden your understanding of the diverse roles individuals played during the war.
Using a map of Europe, trace the path of General Patton’s Third Army Group and highlight key locations where Carpenter’s missions took place. Mark the Battle of Arracourt and other significant events. This mapping activity will help you visualize the geographical context of Carpenter’s missions.
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Now, let’s talk about Major Charles Carpenter, also known as “Bazooka Charlie.” He was an American pilot during World War II, credited with eliminating at least six German tanks and several other armored vehicles during the 1944 campaign in Western Europe using bazookas. Remarkably, he accomplished this while flying in his L4 Grasshopper light reconnaissance airplane.
Before the war, Carpenter was a history teacher in Moline, Illinois. He joined the army in 1942, eager to contribute to the war effort. After completing his flight training, he was assigned to fly light observation aircraft, which were designed to survey battle areas, report enemy positions, and spot targets for artillery. Carpenter was sent to General George Patton’s Third Army Group, which was advancing through France toward the German border, and was attached to the Fourth Armored Division.
In addition to surveillance missions, Carpenter served as a private pilot for the divisional commander, General John Wood. However, Carpenter was eager for more action. During one incident, while searching for landing fields, his unit was surprised by German infantry. Carpenter took command, jumped on top of a tank, and engaged the enemy. Although he faced consequences for friendly fire, General Patton recognized his bravery and had the charges dropped.
Carpenter’s desire for action led him to mount bazookas onto his aircraft, with the approval of divisional headquarters. He named his plane “Rosie the Rocketer” in tribute to Rosie the Riveter, the symbol of women working in factories during the war. His innovative tactics involved diving at enemy tanks and firing from above, which proved effective against German armored vehicles.
Carpenter’s most notable mission occurred on September 20, 1944, during the Battle of Arracourt. He successfully attacked German panzer units, firing multiple rockets and helping to relieve pinned-down U.S. forces. His bravery earned him several awards, including the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Unfortunately, in early 1945, Carpenter was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and sent home, where he returned to teaching history. He defied expectations and lived for another 21 years. In 2017, the remains of “Rosie the Rocketer” were found in a museum in Austria and were later restored by the Collings Foundation, with the final artwork painted by Carpenter’s granddaughter.
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World War II – A global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world’s nations, including the major powers, which eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. – During our history class, we learned about the significant battles and events of World War II.
Pilot – A person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft. – The pilot skillfully navigated the plane through the stormy skies during the reenactment of a famous World War II air battle.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Our history teacher showed us a documentary about the impact of World War II on different countries.
Bazookas – Portable rocket launchers used by infantrymen as an anti-tank weapon during World War II. – The museum displayed a collection of bazookas used by soldiers during World War II.
Combat – Fighting between armed forces. – The play depicted the intense combat scenes that soldiers faced during World War II.
Germany – A country in Central Europe that played a central role in World War II as a member of the Axis powers. – Germany’s involvement in World War II was a major focus of our history project.
Tanks – Heavily armored fighting vehicles carrying guns and moving on a continuous articulated metal track. – The history museum had a fascinating exhibit on the development and use of tanks during World War II.
Action – The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim. – The historical film captured the action of the D-Day landings during World War II.
Bravery – Courageous behavior or character. – The bravery of the soldiers during World War II was honored in the school’s annual history play.
Museum – A building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited. – We visited the museum to see the new exhibit on World War II artifacts and learn more about the era.
