Army PFC Charles Ellis Silcox was born in McDavid, Florida on November 28, 1917, the son of John Thomas "Tom" Silcox (1874-1962) and Alice Rosella McCann (1884-1966). His father was born in Bluff Springs but moved to Santa Rosa County in 1934. He occupied a variety of jobs to support his family such as a teamster, logger, fisherman and a woodworker. Along the way he married Rhoda "Rhodie" Ella Patterson on July 3, 1896, when she was fifteen years old. Sadly, she would pass away in 1900 at the age of 19-20 years old. Two children were born to this marriage prior to her death. John would remarry Alice in 1904 and she would bring at least six children to the union.
His grandfather was William Henry Silcox (1844-1922), a Confederate soldier with Company "D" of the 1st Florida Infantry Regiment. He enlisted in Freeport, Florida in Walton County in April 1861 and was assigned to the Army of Tennessee. The regiment fought in such places as Santa Rosa Island, Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta Campaign, Franklin, Nashville, and the Carolina Campaign. After four years of bloody fighting, William surrendered along with General Joseph E. Johnston's army at Greensboro, NC. Three years after returning home he married Dorotha Voncile Duck (1848-1930). In his old age he would apply for his Confederate pension, which was received in the amount of $120 per year effective 7-1-1909. Because of his failing health he applied for an increase, which was granted. William would pass away in 1922 and was buried in the Enon Cemetery. After his death, Dorotha applied for her widow's benefits and began receiving $300 per year effective 8-22-1922.
As to Charles, there is little information as to his formative years, but we do know that he claimed an 8th grade education and entered the workforce as a laborer in construction and for the E. E. Saunders Company. He would enlist in the US Army on August 22, 1942, and was sent to Camp Blanding, Florida for processing. After his basic training was complete, he was assigned to Company "I" of the 310th Infantry Regiment with the 78th Infantry Division. Many months of bloody and bitter fighting followed as the Allies landed in France and marched into Germany. Germany would finally surrender on May 7, 1945.
However, the cause of death for Charles six weeks after the surrender is unknown although it is listed as "DNB." This means "death non battle" which can be a multitude of reasons ranging from disease to accidents. Perhaps a family member or some other report may surface for clarification. Regardless, Charles lost his life while serving his nation at her time of need. In the meantime, his family was notified of his death and was then forced to wait for the return of his remains.
In October 1948, the family was finally notified that his remains had been loaded onto the Army transport, SS Carroll Victory and was sailing for the states. After processing, his body finally arrived in in Milton on Tuesday, November 9, 1948, and were buried in the Whitmire Cemetery in Ferry Pass in Pensacola with full military honors.
PS: After this article posted I heard from his family who stated that he was killed in an automobile accident (most likely a jeep). Sadly, his buddy's letter concerning his death reached his mother before the war department notified her.
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