Colonel Charles L. Brindel was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 24 March 1950, class number 20.  His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, 1st Infantry Division Europe. | His subsequent duty assignment include:  Platoon Leader, 6th Infantry Regiment, Berlin, Company Commander and Staff Officer, Frankfurt Military Post; Company Commander, 3d Infantry Division, G-3 Action Officer, Operations, 8th Army , Korea; Custodian Officer, 82d Airborne Division; Reenlistment Officer, 82nd Airborne Division; Company Commander, 503d Airborne Battle Group; Commander of Troops, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Sector Advisor, Gia Dinh Sector, Headquarters MACV; Deputy G-1 and Assistant Chief of Staff, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. | His awards and decorations include: Vietnamese Ranger Badge, Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Service Cross