The disappearance of Charles R. Fletcher is a long-standing and sorrowful mystery that began in May 1975. A 54-year-old veteran of World War II, Fletcher was last heard from on Mother's Day, May 26, 1975, when he made a phone call to his mother. At the time, he was in Glassboro, New Jersey, and had mentioned to friends his intention of traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A resident of Philadelphia, Fletcher was known to spend extended periods with friends in Glassboro. He was a man who had served his country in the 117th Infantry in the Army, sustaining injuries that earned him a Purple Heart and left him with metal plates in his head and arm. These injuries sometimes caused periods of disorientation, a factor that has always been a consideration in his case.
Fletcher was described as a Black male, standing 5'6' and weighing 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He had a scar above his right eye and possibly scars on his scalp from his wartime injuries. While his family noted that he had a history of disappearing for weeks or even months at a time, he had always maintained contact. His disappearance in 1975 was different; the silence was permanent. In the years that have stretched into decades since he was last heard from, there has been no activity on his Social Security number, he has not used his veteran's health benefits, and his disability checks have gone uncashed. This lack of any financial or official footprint points to a grim conclusion.
The investigation into Charles R. Fletcher's disappearance is managed by the Philadelphia Police Department and remains an unsolved, open case. The possibility that he became disoriented and ended up in a medical facility as an unidentified person has been considered, as has the potential for foul play, though no evidence has emerged to support the latter theory. Over the years, the number of people actively searching for him has sadly dwindled; his two children, ex-wife, and five of his ten siblings have since passed away. Despite the passage of time and the fading of hope, one of his sisters continues to search for him, holding onto the belief that he might still be alive. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring pain and uncertainty that surrounds a long-term missing person case, leaving a family with unanswered questions for decades.Last Seen: May 26, 1975
