A year ago this web log posted what may be the only consolidated list of U.S.S. Chicago (CA-29) crew losses, pre-war and wartime, available for the ship. To this list of men we now add one more, for who may be the first recorded loss aboard the ship. Today we remember Gunnery Sergeant Charles T. Ostick, USMC, a member of Chicago’s Marine Detachment.
Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Ostick, a native of Polo, Illinois, suddenly passed away aboard Chicago off the California coast on 16 May 1933. Born on 9 September 1901, he was 31 years old. No cause of death is given in the sources found. He joined the Marines when he was 17 and was awarded in 1928 for his service in Nicaragua. GySgt Ostick was an original member of Chicago’s MarDet, dating back to pre-commissioning days.
He was a career long athlete, active in football and boat racing in particular. He was noted for his performance in boat racing and his coaching in the sport too. In fact he participated in all three All Navy boat races and led his Marine team to the Scouting Force championship in 1932.
GySgt Ostick was survived by his wife Elsie Tingley of San Pedro, California, but they had no children of their own, his father, three brothers and three sisters. He was buried in the Reed Cemetery in Polo, Illinois next to his mother.
With the inclusion of GySgt Ostick, on this Memorial Day we remember and salute the seven Chicago crewmen lost pre-war and 66 more lost during the war, a total of 73 who gave their life in service to the country during the ship’s more than 12 years of service.
Gun Moll of the Pacific 
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