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2nd Lt Charles P. Phelps graduated from Gerstmyer Technical High School and attended Rose Polytechnic Institute for two years. He was employed by the Powers Cleaning Company.

He enlisted in Detroit, Michigan on 19 June 1941.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action in connection with a military operation against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division. On 16 April 1945, Lt Phelps was selected to reconnoiter, seize and hold sites upon the Wupper river, in Germany, across which a battalion attack could be launched. Fighting their way to the river, Lieutenant Phelps and his men seized two unguarded bridges. After deploying his men to cover the bridge, Lt Phelps fearlessly led four men over the bridge to seize high ground on the far side to protect the bridge site. During this advance he was met with heavy enemy fire from concealed positions and killed. Lt Phelps' gallantry on this occasion for which he made the supreme sacrifice reflected high credit upon himself and the Armed Forces."

The database of ABMC and his gravestone indicate his date of death as 16 April 1945. The correct data however is 17 April 1945.