Born in Homer LA, Charles Gandy earned his first FCC radio license at age 9. Fascinated with electronics, he worked his way through college as Chief Engineer of commercial station KRUS. He graduated from Louisiana Tech and ROTC in 1955.
From his first Air Force assignment, to the National Security Agency in 1955, until retirement as a Senior Cryptologic Executive, Charles made significant contributions to US Signals Intelligence. His work in the field of remote collection systems was applied during the Viet Nam War where it helped save the lives of thousands of Americans.
De-classified from the 1980’s, Charles’ leadership on the GUNMAN project is documented in “The Spy in Moscow Station.” He uncovered KGB electronic spyware that compromised Embassy security for eight years. His distinguished service to our country was acknowledged by induction into the 2008 National Security Cryptologic Hall of Honor (see below) for his work in SigInt, Information Assurance, and Counterintelligence. He was awarded five medals for Exceptional Civilian Service from NSA, CIA, and the USAF.
After leaving NSA, Charles continued engineering research activities as a civilian. He developed a special radar that detected breathing and heart rate for people trapped in rubble of collapsed buildings and mines. For all of his achievements, he was named an outstanding alum by the College of Engineering and Science at his alma mater. Curiosity and technical intellect remained strong throughout his long life.
Sailing was a wonderful hobby that mentally and physically engaged Charles and his wife Freda. He was befriended by many “dock rats” through his adventures on the Chesapeake, FL Keys, and in the Bahamas.
He is predeceased by this wife of 63y, Freda Grambling Gandy and his daughter, Elizabeth Gandy Wegner. Charles is survived by his son, Charles Gandy, Jr. (Kathy) and their sons, Mark (Cristin), David (Michele), Phil (Katherine), and Jon. He is also survived by Beth’s husband Kent Wegner and their children, Erin Wegner Brooks (Duncan) and Ryan Wegner (Sona) and 12 great- or great-great grandchildren. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
2008 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Summary
From his first assignment to the National Security Agency in 1955 as an Air Force 1st Lieutenant until his retirement as a civilian in 1986, Mr. Charles Gandy made significant contributions to the fields of signals intelligence, information assurance, and counterintelligence. His work in research, development, and deployment of quick reaction capabilities greatly strengthened cryptologic community support to the highest levels of government.
Although most of the details must remain classified, Mr. Gandy’s contributions enabled the NSA to anticipate key activities of foreign adversaries and determine where our own vulnerabilities existed. Much of this engineering work was in sensitive signals analysis and countermeasures development
Mr. Gandy’s work in the field of remote control collection systems was applied during the Vietnam War, and helped save the lives of countless thousands of Americans.
After leaving the NSA in 1986, Mr. Gandy continued his research activities. He developed a special radar that detected breathing and heart rate for people trapped in rubble of collapsed buildings.
Mr. Gandy’s lifetime of creativity and innovation in the use of advanced technology led to numerous successes. Many senior leaders, including Deputy Director Dr. Louis W. Tordella, frequently relied on Mr. Gandy to tackle mission issues that were both exceptionally challenging and exceptionally sensitive.