Pedro native, Sgt. Charles “Cotton” Carmen, 47th Infantry, will be inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame as a Silver Star recipient for his gallantry during World War II on April 3, 1945, in Oberkirchen, Germany, at the upcoming 2015 class induction ceremony.

Sgt. Carmen’s unit was subjected to a strong tank and infantry counter-attack during an advance against heavily defended enemy emplacements.

Sgt. Carmen quickly moved his unit to a better position and ordered his rocket launcher gunner to move to a vantage point nearby to gain better observation for a shot at one of the enemy tanks.

He then voluntarily exposed himself to direct enemy sight and firing range to cover for his gunner who was moving to a firing position. With pinpoint accuracy, Sgt. Carmen killed five of the enemy and injured at least 10. This allowed his gunner to destroy the enemy tank.

Carmen’s courageousness and leadership earned him the induction into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame and his family is very proud of him.

“We’re all real proud of him. He never talked about the war much, but he saw a lot of action,” Mike Carmen, Charles’ son, said. “We’re very proud that he’s being recognized.”

The Silver Star will be the newest addition to Charles’ medals which already include a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a unit citation with Oak Leaf Clusters, which his whole unit received.

The induction ceremony is from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, April 24 in the Atrium at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

Carmen still resides in the Ironton area.