William "Doc" Charette

Bill was the Medical Department on Simon Bolivar(SSBN 641-Gold Crew). I was the Executive Officer and as such Bill worked directly for me. I could hardly believe that this soft-spoken ,unassuming man had earned the Medal of Honor. He was the best Sailor that I ever worked with and was an outstanding leader. God bless the memory of this superb man.

It was an honor for me to introduce Bill to the students at Summerlin Military Institute during a student assembly. He was a member of Sea Poacher Base, United States Submarine Veterans that holds their meetings at that school. He was a true Hero.

During my tour as XO on Simon Bolivar(Gold),Master Chief Charette was the Medical Department. Besides being a true hero,he was extremely competent and a respected leader. He was a great shipmate.

Sorry for your loss. I'm glad I had the honor to meet and know him at the Lake Wales Elks.

RTC NTC San Diego CA 1976, Spring 1977/ NRMC Balboa Hospital Corps School C, HN USN AD, Marine Corps Air to Ground Combat Training Center Twenty Nine Palms in field with US Marines, B.A.S. Branch Hospital. Honorable Discharge. Cold War Veteran. National Regestry of EMTs 1980 Present( March 2013) Paramedic graduate. 36 years service in field.

I served with DOC Charette on the Bolivar and got to know him personnaly. What a great, humble guy! He is my true american HERO.

Chief Charette was a wonderful man. I am so sorry to the whole family for your loss. I served with him for three years at the Naval Hospital in Orlando, FL. Chief Charette was always so unassuming, kind, and helpful to all of the younger Corpsmen.

Doc's friendship, positive attitude, and permanent smile sure made the long patrols on Bolivar more pleasant. So glad we visited the past several years. Please keep in touch Lou. JD and Gail Allen

god bless you doc. former marine d.s. murphy jr 62-66. semper fi brother.