Charles Monaghan was born to Laurel and Dorothy Monaghan on Aug. 27, 1937, in Clinton, Iowa. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1955, he studied business at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1959.

After graduating college, Monaghan joined the Navy in September 1959. During his 22 years of service, which included the Vietnam War, he served on six warships and was the commander of the destroyer USS Charles P. Cecil. He also served on land: one at Iowa State University’s Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps; one as an exchange officer with the British Royal Navy; and one at the United States Embassy in Pakistan.

Monaghan retired from the Navy on Nov. 1, 1981, at the age of 44. He was the embodiment of service, and was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Monaghan died on Nov. 12, 2020, and is interred in Section Old-F, Row 0, Site 1853 at Rock Island National Cemetery.

We honor his service.