1907-1999, but he died at age 91, short of his 1999 birthday.
Do you know the cause of death?
It seems he may have developed Alzheimers, not sure the exact cause of death, possibly related as that's the usual course of that disease. There was a story about him being AWOL from his house, found walking down a nearby road, confused.
The Major died in the Waco VA Hospital, and from what I've read, it was a psych type facility. I think the Major may have gone down that same path, based on his appearance in later photos and the type hospital.
I'm making assumptions based on tid bits of info pointing in that direction, no hard evidence.
I got the kindle version a few nights ago, due to lack of patience, it's a fairly entertaining read.
I don't understand all of the "it was a different time" comments, as he seems like just the sort we need today...and at times previous to today that would have prevented us from arriving at today as we know it. PC is a disease that needs to be cut out of the country.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." TJ
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". EB
I got the kindle version a few nights ago, due to lack of patience, it's a fairly entertaining read.
I don't understand all of the "it was a different time" comments, as he seems like just the sort we need today...and at times previous to today that would have prevented us from arriving at today as we know it. PC is a disease that needs to be cut out of the country.
Did you end up hating him? Because I'm afraid I will.
While working as a WWII ordinance officer in North Africa recovering battle damaged tanks, during a lull in the fighting, he took a jeep and with a buddy, hunted sheep.
While in Viet Nam, he hooked up with a Chinese outfitter, hunted big game in S.E. Asia, using elephants in the high grass.
He improvised, took advantage of whatever situation he found himself in. I'm sure as a prominant gun writer, he got support from the industry for his safari's.
DF
Askins probably lived very comfortably on his writing earnings along with his military retirement, etc., but that wouldn't be enough to do all the hunting that he did. Like other writers of his era, Askins "worked" the industry to his advantage. One way was by reputedly operating as a booking agent for various outfitters and safari companies. Taking a 10% commission off a $10k booked hunt adds up pretty quick. I doubt that Charlie was above boosting them up for freebie hunts in exchange for a bit of written publicity, either. A lot of his custom rifles were probably acquired in similar fashion (Rheinardt Fajen, for example, who stocked many of Askins' rifles, was continually mentioned in his articles). None of these tactics were all that uncommon among gun and outdoor writers of his time.
For me when I mention times were different then, things he did would land him in jail now.. Not that I think they were wrong.. I remember his story of shooting the Mexican smugglers. Charlie saw they were armed, knew they would shoot so he shot them first.. Personally that is how I feel gangs, criminals committing crimes while armed should be treated. This liberal news media will never stand for it..
While working as a WWII ordinance officer in North Africa recovering battle damaged tanks, during a lull in the fighting, he took a jeep and with a buddy, hunted sheep.
While in Viet Nam, he hooked up with a Chinese outfitter, hunted big game in S.E. Asia, using elephants in the high grass.
He improvised, took advantage of whatever situation he found himself in. I'm sure as a prominant gun writer, he got support from the industry for his safari's.
DF
Askins probably lived very comfortably on his writing earnings along with his military retirement, etc., but that wouldn't be enough to do all the hunting that he did. Like other writers of his era, Askins "worked" the industry to his advantage. One way was by reputedly operating as a booking agent for various outfitters and safari companies. Taking a 10% commission off a $10k booked hunt adds up pretty quick. I doubt that Charlie was above boosting them up for freebie hunts in exchange for a bit of written publicity, either. A lot of his custom rifles were probably acquired in similar fashion (Rheinardt Fajen, for example, who stocked many of Askins' rifles, was continually mentioned in his articles). None of these tactics were all that uncommon among gun and outdoor writers of his time.
If he did "well" why did he live in a schithole like San Antonio?
Clark
From what I know, he settled there possibly due to the proximity of Ft. Sam Houston.
San Antonio has its good points, nice horse facilities.
His son Bill lives on the North end of town, does very well selling real estate and airplanes. He seems happy living there. His location is North of the Col's house, which is now HQ of the San Antonio Geneological and Historical Society. http://txsaghs.org/
IIRC, the house is on the National Registry.
BTW, Bill Askins has an interesting bio., some of it covered in Unrepentant Sinner.
I have an autographed copy of Unrepentant Sinner. I really enjoyed the book and it gave great insight on a long gone era. Colonel Askins mentioned the 8mm-06 often. I believe there are plenty like him still around today but if they pulled the same stuff that he did they would be in jail. Back then you were able to get away with a lot more.
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