They Mocked His ‘Toy Plane’ With Bazookas — Until He Burned Tiger Tanks

The Unlikely Hero: Major Charles Carpenter and the Bazooka Grasshopper
On September 20, 1944, Major Charles Carpenter crouched beside his Piper L4 Grasshopper on a muddy airstrip near Aracourt, France. The sun beat down relentlessly, casting a harsh light on the battlefield that had become a hellscape of smoke and despair. Carpenter, a 32-year-old high school history teacher from Molen, Illinois, was about to embark on a mission that would not only test his courage but also change the course of combat aviation.
The Situation at Aracourt
The German Fifth Panzer Army had launched a ferocious assault against Combat Command A of the Fourth Armored Division just two days prior, deploying 262 tanks and assault guns. Carpenter, who had flown 47 combat sorties, was armed with six M9 bazookas bolted to his Grasshopper’s wings—a modification that was both innovative and dangerous. The standard L4 Grasshopper was not designed for combat; it was a reconnaissance aircraft, typically used for spotting enemy positions and calling in artillery strikes.
But Carpenter had witnessed too many American tank crews perish under the onslaught of German armor. The Fourth Armored Division had already lost 48 Shermans in the initial days of fighting at Aracourt, and he was determined to do something about it. He was fed up with circling overhead, helplessly watching as men burned alive inside their steel coffins.
The Decision to Arm the Grasshopper
In a moment of desperation, Carpenter had taken matters into his own hands. He had mounted six bazookas on the wings of his Grasshopper, converting it into a makeshift strike aircraft. This was a radical departure from standard operational procedures, which dictated that L4 pilots remain high and safe. Instead, Carpenter was prepared to dive into the fray, risking everything to save American lives.

As he prepared for his mission, the weight of the decision settled heavily on him. The Grasshopper was overloaded, and the fabric wings were not designed to withstand the recoil of the bazookas. Yet, Carpenter felt a profound sense of duty. He had to act. The lives of his fellow soldiers depended on it.
The First Attack
At 6:15 AM, Carpenter took off into the murky fog that blanketed the area. The Grasshopper climbed slowly, struggling under the weight of the bazookas and rockets. As the fog began to lift, he spotted movement below—German Panther tanks advancing toward American positions. Carpenter’s heart raced. He had trained for this moment, but now the reality of combat loomed large.
With the sun at his back, he descended to engage the enemy. The first rocket launched cleanly, striking a Panther and immobilizing it. The exhilaration of success surged through him, but the danger was far from over. German infantry opened fire, and Carpenter barely escaped with his life. He had proven that the concept could work, but he knew he had to do more.
The Struggle for Survival
Over the next few days, Carpenter continued his attacks, targeting German armor with increasing effectiveness. Each sortie brought new challenges, and the dangers multiplied. His Grasshopper was damaged multiple times, yet he pressed on, driven by the urgency of the situation. The American forces were losing ground, and every tank he could disable meant lives saved.
The psychological toll of his missions weighed heavily on him. He witnessed the horrors of war firsthand—the burning Shermans, the cries of wounded men, the chaos of battle. Yet, he also saw the power of his actions. With each successful attack, he instilled a sense of hope in his fellow soldiers, proving that they could fight back against the seemingly invincible German forces.
A Turning Point in Tactics
By mid-September, Carpenter had become a key figure in the Fourth Armored Division’s efforts to hold back the German advance. His innovative use of the Grasshopper had forced the Germans to adapt their tactics, now wary of the small aircraft that could deliver devastating attacks.
As the situation on the ground became increasingly dire, Carpenter’s determination only grew. He knew that he was not just fighting for his own survival; he was fighting for the men who depended on him. The camaraderie among the soldiers strengthened, and Carpenter became a symbol of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Final Assault
On September 20, Carpenter launched one of his most daring attacks yet. With the Germans advancing on American positions, he flew low over the battlefield, targeting tanks with precision. The roar of his engine filled the air as he released his rockets, watching as they struck their targets.
The success of his final attack was bittersweet. While he had disabled multiple tanks, he also faced the reality of his own aircraft’s limitations. The Grasshopper was damaged, and Carpenter knew that he was pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Yet, he refused to back down. He had seen too much suffering to turn away now.
The Aftermath
By the end of the month, the battle for Aracourt had taken a heavy toll on both sides. The Fourth Armored Division had suffered significant losses, but Carpenter’s actions had made a difference. His innovative tactics had changed the way American forces engaged German armor, proving that even the smallest aircraft could pack a punch.
As the war continued, Carpenter’s legacy grew. He became known as “Bazooka Charlie,” a testament to his audacity and bravery. His story inspired countless others, demonstrating that courage and creativity could prevail against even the most formidable foes.
The Legacy of Major Carpenter
After the war, Carpenter returned to civilian life, but the experiences of those months in combat stayed with him. He became a teacher once again, sharing his knowledge and stories with the next generation. He taught them about history, not just as a series of dates and events, but as a tapestry of human experiences—of bravery, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of those who fought for their beliefs.
Major Charles Carpenter’s story is a reminder of the power of innovation and the human spirit in times of conflict. It illustrates how ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary challenges, using their skills and creativity to make a difference in the world around them. His legacy lives on, not only in the history of military aviation but also in the hearts of those who continue to fight for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In the end, Carpenter’s journey was not just about defeating tanks; it was about challenging the very nature of warfare and redefining the possibilities of what could be achieved in the skies above a battlefield. His bravery and ingenuity continue to inspire generations, reminding us that true heroism often comes from those who dare to think differently and act boldly.