Seaman 2nd Class Charles Leon Billups, USN

Charles Leon Billups was born in High Rolls, Otero County, NM in 1922, son of Edward and Minnie Billups. He had seven siblings. He was enrolled at NMAMC in the 1940/41 school year. He entered the Navy from California sometime in 1941 and on January 19, 1942 was assigned to the USS Astoria, a heavy cruiser. The Astoria subsequently took part in the Battle of the Coral Sea in early May of 1942. In June of 1942 the Astoria put to sea as part of Admiral Fletchers Task Force 17 aimed at denying the Japanese the island of Midway. During the subsequent Battle of Midway, Admiral Fletcher transferred his flag to the Astoria from the stricken carrier USS Yorktown. After repairs and outfitting in Pearl Harbor, the Astoria put to sea in early August 1942 as part of Task Group 62.3 to cover the Guadalcanal – Tulagi landings and operations. Early on the morning of August 7, 1942 the Astoria entered the waters between Guadalcanal and Florida Islands. On the night of 8/9 August, the Japanese brought a force of heavy cruisers south and intercepted the American ships in the First Battle of Savo Island. Caught by surprise in the nighttime attack, the US Navy lost three heavy cruisers, the Quincy, the Vincennes and the Astoria. During the battle the Astoria took 65 hits. Despite stubborn and courageous efforts the ship sank shortly after noon on August 9, 1942. Seaman 2nd Class Charles Leon Billups and 233 of his fellow shipmates lost their life that night. His body was lost at sea. He is memorialized on the Tablet of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery. He was 20 years of age at the time of his death.