Charles H. Dingman Jr.
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
Officer Charles H. Dingman Jr. was a member of the police force for six years. Before working for the agency, he had previously served with the National Guard for four years.
On December 2, 1929, Officer Dingman was on patrol at 31st Street and Jackson Avenue, when he pulled up next to a car carrying three men: John Watson, Joe Hershon, and Charles M. Curtis. He attempted to approach them, and Watson and Hershon opened fire. Officer Dingman was mortally wounded, and died December 4, 1929 at St Luke's Hospital. The three men were found and arrested. It was discovered that they were known gangsters, had been released from jail that October and they were charged in more than 15 holdups. Watson confessed to fatally wounding Officer Dingman. John Watson committed suicide in jail in January 1930 by drinking lye; Joe Hershon was hanged in Jackson County Jail on January 15, 1932; and Charles Curtis was sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Dingman was 28 years old at his death. He was survived by his wife, Ida, his son, Charles H. DIngman III and two of his stepsons, Junior Dingman and Clarence Dingman as well as his parents and brother, John E. Dingman.
Reflections:
Every family has a hero. You are ours. Wish I had had the opportunity to know you.
Carla Jane Dingman
References: