Elk & Elk Military Salute: Charles Derfer

Posted in Community Outreach, Firm News on March 18, 2021

Elk & Elk is proud to join the Columbus Blue Jackets in honoring the men and women who serve our country.

As the presenting partner of Military Salutes, we‘re excited to celebrate active-duty military members and veterans throughout the NHL season.

This month’s Military Salute recognizes Charles Derfer

• Name: Charles Derfer
• Hometown: Orrville, Ohio
• Military Branch: Army, Air Force
• Military Rank: Private First Class
• Years Served: 7
  • Army: 1950 – 1953
  • Air Force: 1956 – 1960
• Army Bio
  • Private First Class Derfer enlisted in the Army on September 11, 1950.
  • He was deployed to fight in the Korean War.
  • On June 13, 1951, Derfer earned the Purple Heart Medal after surviving a gunshot to the shoulder.
  • He went on to fight in the Battle of Old Baldy and the Battle of Pork Chop Hill.
  • He was honorably discharged in 1953.
• Air Force Bio
  • Derfer was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico.
  • He transferred to Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington.
  • He was honorably discharged in 1960.
• Awards
  • Purple Heart Medal
  • Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • Combat Infantry Badge
  • Army of Occupation Medal (Germany)
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

Derfer was welcomed back with salutes during a 2017 visit to Ramey Air Force Base.

To Private First Class Derfer, active-duty military members and veterans everywhere—thank you for service.