Billie G. Kanell
Encyclopedia
Billie Gene Kanell was a United States Army
soldier in the Korean War
who posthumously received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor
. He was awarded the medal for twice falling on a grenade
to protect his fellow soldiers during a 1951 battle.
, Kanell later joined the Army from that city. By September 7, 1951, he was serving in Korea as a private
in Company I of the 35th Infantry Regiment
, 25th Infantry Division. On that day, near Pyongyang
, his unit was attacked by a numerically superior force. When a grenade
was thrown into his emplacement, he smothered the blast with his body to protect two nearby soldiers. Although severely wounded in the explosion, he used his body to shield his comrades from another grenade which was thrown seconds later. Mortally wounded in this act, Kanell was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor nine months later, on June 13, 1952.
Aged 20 at his death, Kanell was buried at Fairdealing Cemetery in Fairdealing, Missouri
.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
soldier in the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
who posthumously received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. He was awarded the medal for twice falling on a grenade
Falling on a grenade
Falling on a grenade refers to the deliberate act of using one's body to cover a live time-fused hand grenade, absorbing the explosion and fragmentation in an effort to save the lives of others nearby...
to protect his fellow soldiers during a 1951 battle.
Biography
Born on June 26, 1931, in Poplar Bluff, MissouriPoplar Bluff, Missouri
Poplar Bluff is a city in Butler County located in Southeast Missouri in the United States. It is the county seat of Butler County and is known as "The Gateway to the Ozarks" among other names. As of the 2000 U.S...
, Kanell later joined the Army from that city. By September 7, 1951, he was serving in Korea as a private
Private (rank)
A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...
in Company I of the 35th Infantry Regiment
35th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 35th Infantry Regiment was created on 1 July 1916 at Douglas, Arizona from elements of the 11th, 18th and 22nd Infantry Regiments. The 35th served on the Mexican Border during the First World War and was stationed at Nogales, Arizona in 1918...
, 25th Infantry Division. On that day, near Pyongyang
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly known as North Korea, and the largest city in the country. Pyongyang is located on the Taedong River and, according to preliminary results from the 2008 population census, has a population of 3,255,388. The city was...
, his unit was attacked by a numerically superior force. When a grenade
Grenade
A grenade is a small explosive device that is projected a safe distance away by its user. Soldiers called grenadiers specialize in the use of grenades. The term hand grenade refers any grenade designed to be hand thrown. Grenade Launchers are firearms designed to fire explosive projectile grenades...
was thrown into his emplacement, he smothered the blast with his body to protect two nearby soldiers. Although severely wounded in the explosion, he used his body to shield his comrades from another grenade which was thrown seconds later. Mortally wounded in this act, Kanell was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor nine months later, on June 13, 1952.
Aged 20 at his death, Kanell was buried at Fairdealing Cemetery in Fairdealing, Missouri
Fairdealing, Missouri
Fairdealing is an unincorporated community located in Ripley County, Missouri. As of the 2000 census, the community had a total population of 1,381....
.
Medal of Honor citation
Kanell's official citation reads:Pvt. Kanell, a member of Company I, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. A numerically superior hostile force had launched a fanatical assault against friendly positions, supported by mortar and artillery fire, when Pvt. Kanell stood in his emplacement exposed to enemy observation and action and delivered accurate fire into the ranks of the assailants. An enemy grenade was hurled into his emplacement and Pvt. Kanell threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the blast with his body to protect 2 of his comrades from serious injury and possible death. A few seconds later another grenade was thrown into the emplacement and, although seriously wounded by the first missile, he summoned his waning strength to roll toward the second grenade and used his body as a shield to again protect his comrades. He was mortally wounded as a result of his heroic actions. His indomitable courage, sustained fortitude against overwhelming odds, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
See also
- List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients