Calvin Graham
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| Calvin Graham | |
|---|---|
| April 3, 1930 – November 6, 1992 (aged 62) | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942-1943, 1947-1950 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | USS South Dakota |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Naval Battle of Guadalcanal |
Calvin Leon Graham (April 3, 1930 - November 6, 1992) was youngest person ever to enlist in the United States Navy, and the youngest U.S. serviceman during World War II. He enlisted in the Navy at age 12 following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
He was wounded at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, while serving aboard the USS South Dakota. During the battle, he helped in the fire control efforts aboard the South Dakota, but suffered shrapnel wounds in the process. For his actions he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. However, his mother later revealed his age, and after spending months in a brig (he was not released until after his sister threatened to contact the newspapers), he was dishonorably discharged for lying about his age and lost his disability benefits.
Graham later joined the United States Marines at age 17, but his service ended about three years later when he fell from a pier and broke his back.[1] Although serving in the Marines qualified him as a veteran, he would spend the rest of his life fighting for medical benefits and a clean record. In 1978, he was finally awarded an honorable discharge, and after writing to Congress and with the approval of President Jimmy Carter, all medals but his Purple Heart were reinstated. He received disability and back pay in 1988.[2][3]
His Purple Heart was finally reinstated and presented to his widow, Mary, nearly two years after his death.[1]
His story came to public attention in 1980, when his story was told in the TV movie, Too Young the Hero. He was played by Rick Schroder.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Saxton, Michelle. "Decades later, military veterans admit being underage when they enlisted", Northwest Indiana Times, November 3, 2003. Retrieved on 2006-07-26.
- ^ a b Diane Diekman (November 1, 1995). Navy Memorial. Clear Lake Courier. Retrieved on 2006-07-26.
- ^ Ronald Reagan (November 10, 1988). Statement on Signing a Bill for the Relief of Calvin L. Graham. Retrieved on 2006-07-26. H.R. 610, "An Act Graham is a veteran of Navy and Marine for the relief of Calvin L. Graham, " assigned Private Law No. 100-44.
Iris A. is such a lame.
[edit] External links
- Badge of Honor: America’s child soldiers reflect on service, seek fellow veterans. Leatherneck Magazine (October 5, 2003). Retrieved on 2006-07-26.
