Charles “Snake” Hosking Jr.

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Ramsey, NJ

Branch of Service: US Coast Guard 1941-1942, US U.S. Army 1943-1967

Rank: Master Sergeant

Master Sergeant Charles “Snake” Hosking Jr. served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1941 to 1942, and the Army from 1943 to 1967. He was killed in action in Don Luan District, Vietnam while serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Regiment.

His daughters recalled, “One of his teammates shared with me several years ago that he thought of my father as warrior, poet, and anthropologist. He said my father knew all of these inside and out with interest and dedication. He is dearly missed by his family.”

Hosking was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He was killed when he tackled a Viet Cong sniper who had armed a live grenade, using his own body as a shield, and saving the lives of several other servicemen.

Age: 42

Date of Death: March 21, 1967