Courage And Patriotism; The Calvin Graham Story.

This is the story of Calvin Graham, a remarkable individual who made a significant impact during World War II. 

During World War II, it was not unusual for American boys to lie about their age in order to enlist. For Calvin Leon Graham, it was the opportunity to serve his country during a time of great crisis. However, his merits would be overshadowed by the fact he was the youngest combatant of the Second World War.

Born during the Great Depression in 1930 to a poor Texas family, Graham was the youngest of seven children. Before Pearl Harbor, his mother was widowed and later remarried. 

His stepfather was abusive, and by the sixth grade, the boy moved out to live in a shoddy house with an older brother. 

He supported himself by selling newspapers and delivering telegrams. Being constantly around the news gave him insight on what was transpiring around the world. 

This would be one of his many motivations for enlisting into the military.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Calvin made the courageous decision to enlist in the military, despite being only 12 years old. 

Overcoming this obstacle, he managed to deceive his way through the enlistment process and was eventually stationed at Pearl Harbor on the USS South Dakota.

During the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, Calvin served as a loader for an anti-aircraft gun. While delivering a message to an officer, he was struck by shrapnel. Despite his injuries, Calvin displayed tremendous bravery by assisting in the rescue of other wounded soldiers, ensuring their safe return. As a result of his valor, he was awarded both the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

Calvin's true age was revealed when he returned to Texas without permission to attend his grandmother's funeral. This led to his confinement in a military prison, known as a brig, for a period of three months. However, his mother exposed his actual age, and his sister threatened to inform the local newspapers if he was not released. Their efforts were successful, resulting in his release from the brig, although his medals were revoked, and he was discharged from service.

Later Life

Despite facing numerous challenges, Calvin's life continued to unfold in unique ways. 

He married at the age of 14, became a father at 15, and experienced a divorce at 17. Calvin then re-enlisted for the Korean War, but his service was cut short once again due to a back injury that resulted in his discharge.

Calvin spent several years dedicated to clearing his military record. 

Eventually, President Carter reinstated all his previously revoked medals, with the exception of the Purple Heart. 

However, President Reagan later ensured that Calvin received full disability benefits for his service.

Finally, in 1994, Calvin achieved the long-awaited resolution of his journey when he was presented with his Purple Heart. In a photograph, he proudly holds an image of his World War II enlistment photo, representing the remarkable journey he undertook during his military service.