Charles L. Foreman papers

Charles L. “Chuck” Foreman was born in Lansing, Michigan on September 10, 1925 to Ernest L. and Faye Miller Foreman. He graduated from Rockford, Michigan High School in 1943 and entered the US Army. Chuck went overseas with the 87th Infantry Division and fought in France prior to the Battle of the Bulge. The 87th fought in the Ardennes, Rhineland (capturing Koblenz), and Central Europe, ending the war at the border of Czechoslovakia and assisting in the liberation of Buchenwald Prison Camp. Mr. Foreman received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star during WWII. He shared his experiences of that time with many local history students and compiled a book of the unit’s personal wartime experiences: First Battalion, 345th, 87th Division.

Mr. Foreman credited his boyhood scouting experiences with helping him survive the winter of 1944-45. Following military service Chuck graduated from Michigan State University and joined the Boy Scouts of America as a District Scout Executive. He came to Marquette in 1965 to serve as Council Executive of the Hiawathaland Council until 1968; during this time, Camp Hiawatha was built. Chuck retired from Scouting after 20 years, leaving the Muskegon Council to return to the UP where he served as director of the Marquette Senior Center. His volunteer efforts included the organization of the Marquette County United Way (1973-1974), the Marquette Maritime Museum (1980s), and the Laughing Whitefish Audubon Society, serving as president or chairperson of the last two organizations.