Calvin Graham
Encyclopedia
Calvin Leon Graham was the youngest U.S. serviceman, during World War II
. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor
, he enlisted in the Navy in May 1942, at the age of 12.
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 fragmentation 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 three months in a brig
—he was not released until after his sister threatened to contact the newspapers—he was dishonorably discharged in May 1943 for lying about his age and lost his disability benefits. The South Dakotas gunnery officer, who was involved in handling his case, was Sargent Shriver
.
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. 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.
His Purple Heart was finally reinstated and presented to his widow, Mary, nearly two years after his death in 1992 from heart failure.
His story came to public attention in 1988, when his story was told in the TV movie, Too Young the Hero
. He was played by Rick Schroder
.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...
, he enlisted in the Navy in May 1942, at the age of 12.
He was wounded at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, sometimes referred to as the Third and Fourth Battles of Savo Island, the Battle of the Solomons, The Battle of Friday the 13th, or, in Japanese sources, as the , took place from 12–15 November 1942, and was the decisive engagement in a series of naval battles...
, while serving aboard the USS South Dakota
USS South Dakota (BB-57)
USS South Dakota was a battleship in the United States Navy from 1942 until 1947. The lead ship of her class, South Dakota was the third ship of the US Navy to be named in honor of the 40th state. During World War II, she first served in a fifteen-month tour in the Pacific theater, where she saw...
. During the battle, he helped in the fire control efforts aboard the South Dakota, but suffered fragmentation wounds in the process. For his actions he was awarded the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
and the Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
. However, his mother later revealed his age, and after spending three months in a brig
Military prison
A military prison is a prison operated by the military. Military prisons are used variously to house prisoners of war, enemy combatants, those whose freedom is deemed a national security risk by the military or national authorities, and members of the military found guilty of a serious crime...
—he was not released until after his sister threatened to contact the newspapers—he was dishonorably discharged in May 1943 for lying about his age and lost his disability benefits. The South Dakotas gunnery officer, who was involved in handling his case, was Sargent Shriver
Sargent Shriver
Robert Sargent Shriver, Jr., known as Sargent Shriver, R. Sargent Shriver, or, from childhood, Sarge, was an American statesman and activist. As the husband of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, he was part of the Kennedy family, serving in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations...
.
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. Although serving in the Marines qualified him as a veteran
Veteran
A veteran is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..."...
, 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
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
and with the approval of President Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
, all medals but his Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
were reinstated. He received disability and back pay in 1988.
His Purple Heart was finally reinstated and presented to his widow, Mary, nearly two years after his death in 1992 from heart failure.
His story came to public attention in 1988, when his story was told in the TV movie, Too Young the Hero
Too Young the Hero
Too Young the Hero is a 1988 television movie. It premiered on CBS on March 27, 1988. The film tells the true story of a 12-year old boy who faked a birth certificate to join the United States Navy during World War II. It is based on the real life of Calvin Graham, who was the youngest American...
. He was played by Rick Schroder
Rick Schroder
Richard Bartlett "Rick" Schroder, Jr. is an American actor and film director.He debuted in the 1979 hit film The Champ, going on to become a child star on the sitcom Silver Spoons...
.
External links
- Lonesailer.org biography
- Comptroller General of the United States: Matter of Calvin L. Graham
- Too Young the Hero on the Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...
- People Magazine: The Navy's 'Baby' Hero...
- Veterans of Underage Military Service
- Paul Harvey on Calvin Graham