Charles registered for the draft in Wheeling (Ohio), West Virginia on 16 February 1942 and was inducted into the Army at Fort Thomas, Newport, KY on 13 October 1942.

Pvt Schmalz was transferred from the reception station, Fort Thomas, Newport, KY to Company A, 508th PIR on 20 October 1944.

He was promoted to Pfc on 21 July 1944 and to Tec/5 on 1 August 1944.

Tec/5 Schmalz was wounded in action on 2 October 1944 when he was struck in the shoulder by a rifle bullet. He returned to duty on 26 October and was transferred to Service company for light duty.

he was sent on temporary duty with the Reception Station, Fort Meade, MD for approximately 45 days on 8 April 1945 and on 21 May 1945 he was permanently transferred to that station.

On 14 June 1945, Charles married Ruth Burkhart in Ohio county, WV.

His military decorations include the bronze Service Arrowhead device awarded for participation in the Normandy assault.