Charles W. David, Jr.

"I have to die some day, and I can't think of a better way. So don't worry." These prophetic words spoken to his family in the early days of World War II, as he enlisted in the Coast Guard, provide evidence of Charles Davis's bravery and dedication to his fellow man at a time of extreme prejudice. An African-American mess attendant aboard the USCG Cutter Comanche, David risked his life to save that of his executive officer and others during rescue operations of the U.S. Army Troopship Dorchester on which the "Immortal Chaplains" died. Described as "a giant with tremendous physical strengths", David, 26, of New York City, repeatedly dived into the freezing Atlantic in total darkness to help pull survivors aboard the Cutter.  Among those he rescued was his executive officer, Lieut. Langford Anderson, who also had gone into the water to help with a rescue.  Lt. Anderson who had been pulled under water by drowning man, was rescued when David dived in, broke the survivor's stranglehold and pulled both men to safety.  David died of pneumonia fol