On October 29, 1942 during WWII, Ed Scharch volunteered for service and joined the U.S. Navy with the aspirations of being a pilot, he was selected as a Naval Aviation Cadet (V-5). 

Completed about fifteen months of training at flight schools in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Florida.

Designated a naval aviator, received the commission of Ensign, A-V(N) on March 14, 1944, and got his wings.

Successfully represented his outfit as part of their boxing team.

While training as a carrier pilot for Atlantic coastal patrol, he survived a mishap during an exercise, crash landing on an aircraft carrier.

Hospitalized with hypothermia, after being rescued from frigid waters, and sustained a back injury.  He once quipped, "I wanted wings till I got 'em, then I didn't anymore."

Following recovery from injuries, he was discharged on March 28, 1945 as an Ensign.

Drafted back into the Navy four months later as an Apprentice Seaman in July 1945. 

Promoted to S2/c then assigned to NAAS Waldron Field at NAS Corpus Christi, TX where he served throughout the end of the war.  He was discharged again on April 13, 1946.