Private Charles Combe was mustered into service as a seaman on December 15th, 1861 with Captain Henry Mulrenan’s Florida Volunteer Coast Guards. He remained in this unit until mustered into Confederate service on April 25th, 1862 when he was enlisted as a Private in Captain Smith’s Company (Key West Avengers), 7th Regiment Florida Infantry by Major R. B. Thomas at Tampa, Florida for a period of 3 years or the war. He is reported present; due $50 bounty and clothing money.

He is reported as present on all company muster rolls until November 25th, 1863, when he is reported missing in action at Missionary Ridge on November 25th, 1863.

He was captured by Federal forces and sent to the military prison at Louisville, Kentucky, arriving there on December 8th, 1863. He was transferred to the military Prison at Rock Island Barracks, Illinois the following day, and arrived there on December 11th, 1863.

On a Roll of Prisoners dated February 5th, 1864 he is documented as enlisting in the U.S. Navy on January 25th, 1864 and being transferred to the Naval rendezvous at Camp Douglas, Chicago, Illinois on February 5th, 1864.