Charles Malley was born in Monroe, Michigan in about 1840. His parents, Francis and Susan Malley, moved to Michigan shortly before he was born.
His enlistment records indicate that Charles was a 22 year old farmer from Ash, Michigan. He enlisted in Company G on August 12, 1862, and was mustered the next day.
Not much is currently known about his wartime service. Charles was shot through the breast at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. He survived his terrible wound but was never able to return to the Regiment. After spending a lengthy period in a succession of hospitals, he was discharged for disability at Detroit on June 8, 1864
His brother James Malley enlisted 1864 as a recruit for Company A. James was wounded at the Wilderness on May 5th, 1864, and died at home a month later. Another brother, Henry Malley, died of disease while serving with the 4th Michigan Infantry.