View source for CHARLES K. PALMER, SR., LTJG, USN

{{KeyDates|name_class=Charles Palmer, Sr. '31|DoB=September 14, 1909|DoD=September 16, 1935|Age=26}}

{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1931unse|class=1931
|picture=1931 Palmer LB.jpg
|LBName=Charles Keith Palmer
|LBNickname="Brutus" 
|LBHometown=Timmonsville, South Carolina
|LBText=It was a gala day in the wilds of South Carolina when Keith first saw the light of day. His was a destiny to fulfill—he was to become one of "Uncle Sam's Pampered Pets." 
</p><p>
He began his career by gleaning all the knowledge possible in the Podunk High School and then arrived at "Bobby's War College." Brutus is a hard worker and because of this has made a name for himself. He is never too busy to help anyone who needs it. 
</p><p>
Early in Plebe Year Keith started on the road to fame when he startled "femmes" and classmates by his uncanny tumbling feats in the Gymkhana. His trick of tucking his feet behind his head has caused anxiety for many of us. We have been afraid he might stay that way. 
</p><p>
That Southern drawl and gentlemanly manner have caused many a fair heart to flutter; but alas, rumor has it, that he has already tied up to the dock or perhaps made a flying moor!
|LBECAs=''Reception Committee 3, 2, 1 Lucky Bag, Photographic Staff Class Gym, 4th Class Gymkhana "1928" 2 P. O.''}}

== Loss ==
Charles was lost on September 16, 1935 when the [https://newspaperarchive.com/bakersfield-californian-sep-16-1935-p-2/ plane he was flying "crashed at Border Field, San Ysidro,"] California. His plane was a single-seater, doing gunnery practice. It failed to come out of a mile-high dive. He was a member of Bombing Squadron (VB) 3.

== Other Information ==
From researcher Kathy Franz:
<blockquote>
On March 31, 1932, he married the former Cameron McKenzie of Timmonsville in Long Beach, California.

Per The State [newspaper], Columbia, South Carolina, August 18, 1933: Washington, Aug. 17 – It was announced here today that Ensign Charles K. Palmer, U. S. N., of Timmonsville will be in the class of instruction in heavier than air craft to be convened at the Pensacola, Fla., training course to begin within a short time. – P. H. McG.

Per The State, Columbia, South Carolina, September 19, 1935: “Keith Palmer, was a young man of brilliant mind, charming personality and sterling qualities. His untimely end is a keen sorrow to his many friends here who have loved him deeply from his childhood.”

At his funeral, his brother Lt. George G. Palmer (’30) was military escort. Five different pastors participated including his great-uncle, the Rev. B. H. Price, pastor of the Baptist church. Floral tributes included: a casket spray from the captain, officers and men of U. S. S. Saratoga; a spray from the officers of bombing squadron Q; a wreath from the enlisted personnel of bombing squadron Q and a wreath from the Fifteenth Brigade 118th infantry.

Per The Item [newspaper], Sumter, South Carolina, September 23, 1935: “The death of one so young and so loved as Charles Keith Palmer has brought heart-felt sorrow to a host of friends, both Negro and white, throughout this section and particularly at Cartersville, his birth place, and at Timmonsville, his home since boyhood.”

Charles was a member of the Timmonsville Presbyterian church.

He was survived by his mother, Mary, four brothers (George, Richard, Joe and Jim,) grandmother, Mrs. Mary G. Palmer, an aunt and six uncles including three doctors, a mayor and Major J. B. Keith of Daytona Beach, Florida. His father George, who died in 1920, was a retail merchant in a department store in 1910 Cartersville.
</blockquote>

He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80968747/charles-keith-palmer is buried in] South Carolina, with his wife and son, who was one month old at the time of Charles' loss.

{{MHE|text=== Memorial Hall Error ==
Charles' name was Charles K. Palmer, Sr.; Memorial Hall omits the suffix.}}

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{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Charles|ClassYear=1931|PreviousPersonLink=HAROLD B. RUSSELL, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Harold Russell '31|NextPersonLink=LORENZ Q. FORBES, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Lorenz Forbes '31}}

[[Category:1931|Palmer]]
[[Category:USNA 3rd Company|Palmer]]
[[Category:US Navy|Palmer]]
[[Category:Operational loss|Palmer]]
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Palmer]]
[[Category:Bombing Squadron (VB) 3|Palmer]]
[[Category:MH error-name]]
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=CHARLES K. PALMER, LTJG, USN}}