Charles Russell Sparks was born on April 12, 1916, in Hamilton County, Texas. He was the son of Lee Vernon Sparks and Leora Belle Hilliard Sparks. He served in the 41st Infantry, Philippine Division, as a Captain during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Cpt Sparks was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

Cpt Sparks was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on June 21, 1942. He is now buried in the Masonic Cemetery, Las Cruces, Doña Ana County, New Mexico, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com