| Chuck Tatum | |
|---|---|
| Born | Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Years of service | 1943–1945 |
| Awards | Purple Heart, Bronze Star |
| Other work | Author, racing driver |
Charles "Chuck" Tatum is a World War II veteran and a former racing driver.
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When Tatum was seventeen he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He became a machine gunner under Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, and served in the Battle of Iwo Jima in Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. He earned the Bronze Star after saving his friend Steve Evanson at Hill 362, who died later that night. Tatum was subsequently wounded himself and evacuated from the island.
After the war, Tatum became a successful race car driver and builder. His son Blake, driving a Crusader manufactured by Chuck's company, is the 1994 Formula Vee West Coast Regional Champion.[1]
Tatum is active in Marine affairs and was twice president of the Stockton Marine Corps Club. In honor of all fallen Marines on Iwo Jima, he arranged a memorial service for John Basilone and other Medal of Honor recipients on the 50th anniversary of the battle in Washington D.C..
Tatum's book Red Blood, Black Sand was one of five books used as a basis for the mini-series The Pacific; Tatum is portrayed by actor Ben Esler.