A 12 Year Old Fought in WWII & earned a Purple Heart at Guadalcanal!

The story of Calvin Graham seems like the stuff of fiction, but it's not!
At 12 years old he runs away from home, dupes the Navy into him letting him enlist, and fights in the naval battle of Guadalcanal where he earns a Purple Heart! He is then turned in by his mother, thrown into the brig for three months, dishonorably discharged and stripped of his metals -- all before turning 14!
It's one of the most remarkable stories from World War II! This video covers his entire extraordinary life, including a special request on how we can him his much deserved Medal of Honor!
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[@ThisDate]

So do we try to petition the government to give him the Medal of Honor posthumously?

[@benjaminburkett9962]

My uncle was 13, he was large for his age and claimed to be 18. He was never caught and retired a WWII veteran!

[@americanjoe5486]

Almost every medal of honor winner ended up homeless on the street

[@jamesholcombe435]

Yes we should, I'll sign it

[@JohnSmith-zp4pc]

He died young. I'm sure the medical care he didn't get had something to do with it.

[@TedBronson1918]

Yes. It can't hurt. His actions may not rate a MoH in the eyes of the military board, but I bet, at the very least, he'd come away with another award for valor in combat. The Navy itself looks very bad with the way they treated this young sailor, and I think they'd be looking to atone for that mistake (and give themselves some positive press at the same time). Go ahead and make the push for the MoH. Don't mention lesser awards. Stress the eagerness of many underaged Americans to join the military after Pearl Harbor and that he wasn't the only one - not by a long shot.

[@billiebickers....]

Bless you Calvin you were one of a kind. Thank you for your service.

[@ThisDate]

Amen

[@jimtownsend7899]

I joined the Navy at 17 and served 20 years. I still considered myself a kid when I retired at 37. And here was Calvin, more of a man at 12 than I ever was. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.

[@ThisDate]

God bless you always!🙏🏼

[@MaryShoemaker-wi4fy]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇲 God bless you and your family 🙏

[@jimtownsend7899]

@@MaryShoemaker-wi4fy Thank you. It was an honor to serve. And thanks to my wife, a 23 year veteran of the Navy. She’s my hero.

[@MaryShoemaker-wi4fy]

@@jimtownsend7899 awww that's sweet 😍 God bless you both 💙

[@awopbopaloobopawopbamboom5041]

​@@jimtownsend7899Thank you both for your Service....!!! Happy New Year and Best Wishes to you and all of your loved and close ones!!! I hope that since you're of such fine stock that you're raising some little mini future heroes; or at the very least get to make a strong impression on some potential little future mini heroes....? God bless you all!! ❤️

[@bunnybachman]

I am angry and in tears over this. Calvin deserved so much better. I am thankful for his service and sacrifice. I will share his story. Calvin, you are not forgotten.

[@ThisDate]

Yea this is pretty maddening. Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing the Video. We appreciate it.

[@patriciajones7869]

My dad and his shall not be forgotten nor shall I let anyone forget 🎉

[@troyklinginsmith2523]

This is so wrong what the Navy did to Calvin. At least the Navy could of done was let him keep his medals, medical & government benefits. A true hero who fought & saved so many.👍🇺🇸

[@ThisDate]

💯💯🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍

[@stevensmith3914]

Certainly got cheated No recourse back in those days either

[@dougferguson3820]

Calvin served three months in the brig for going AWOL, which was a serious offense in wartime. He received an administrative discharge, not a dishonorable discharge. He wasn't eligible for an honorable discharge because he enlisted fraudulently. I firmly believe that the leadership of the Navy, or the President if necessary, should have intervened and made an exception for him given his wounds, but the treatment he received was not some special punishment by a heartless Navy.

[@charlescummings1128]

This is so heartbreaking. This young man should be given all awards he is due. His son should be awarded compensation for his father's disgusting treatment. Sometimes this child was more brave and heroic than many adults today😢

[@ThisDate]

Well said!

[@DickDebonaire]

Every bit as heroic as any adult and more so than 99.9% of them including myself

[@brianf1132]

The Navy definitely did this hero wrong, especially after his heroics at Guadalcanal. He should’ve been treated with much more respect.

[@ThisDate]

So so so true!

[@Tom-ob8yb]

Calvin showed his true Character. His mother and the navy showed theirs. Rest in Peace Calvin. God Bless from Canada.

[@ThisDate]

Well said!

[@avi10000]

Thumbs up G-d bless from Israel

[@ThisDate]

@@avi10000 ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Jacy-dx6dx]

​@@avi10000 God be with you.

[@moobaz8675]

That was crazy on so many levels! He was so wronged through life yet bore it as best he could. He really does deserve the recognition for his bravery.

[@ThisDate]

Well said

[@cherylcook6284]

There were 15 and 16 years old in the Korean War. They enlisted in order to have something to eat. The military was correct sending them home when they were discovered, BUT they should have kept their metals, VA benefits, and honorable discharge. People are so amazing at how they raise to the occasion.

[@jeannineamos1178]

The navy was wrong. They treaty him horribly. Shameful. He was a hero. If they had left him alone, who knows what he may have become.

[@ThisDate]

Well said

[@GaryBurkard-cx8ty]

This is the mindset that made the greatest generation what it is in the history of our country. No doubt he should awarded the metal of honor.

[@ThisDate]

Absolutely!

[@NandorTheRelentless76]

You're 100% correct, the Navy did him wrong. At 12 years old, I was still popping pimples and trying to figure out who I was in this world. Calvin KNEW who he was and what he wanted to do and he DID IT! This man definitely deserves a MOH for his sacrifice at such a young age and for the fact that the Navy treated him so unfairly for most of his life. If there is a petition to sign to get him the MOH, I'll will sign it without a second thought. Thank You Calvin Graham, RIP

[@ThisDate]

Thank you! He should have a Medal of Honor!

[@stephenaulds2925]

The fact that the idea of a 12 year old fighting a war is so alien to you is a testament to the prosperity of the United States of America. You're not wrong, it's extremely odd here. A large part of the world TODAY? Not so much.

[@ThisDate]

Good point

[@healdiseasenow]

Those were different times. I grew up on a farm and by 12 years old I had already built multiple apartment complexes pouring concrete clearing Land We Built houses and apartments from the ground up I was raised on a farm from the beginning

[@seanodwyer4322]

@@healdiseasenow my dad left school at 10 and got on okay too 70.- he did all tpype off chores

[@brendacole9990]

Thank you for your service Calvin. God bless you with all the peace and joy You didn’t get here!!!!

[@ThisDate]

Hero!

[@donnalayton6876]

Calvin thank you for your service. May you rest in RIP. You certainly deserve the Medal of Honor. GOD bless you.

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said!

[@MarkHansen1990]

100% agree he needs to be given the metal of honor. And he absolutely deserved his full medical benefits.

[@ThisDate]

He's truly ended it!

[@daryldaryl913]

My Australian Dad was 14 yrs of age when he went into WW2. There were many others that put there age up. This young man ( young man at the time) deserves what he has earned.

[@ThisDate]

God bless your dad!

[@ramonasp4989]

have No Doubt that this Young HERO was Welcomed Home to Heaven a Grander HERO'S Welcome than this earthly realm could ever give him ! ...' greater Love hath no Man ..."

[@ThisDate]

Amen!

[@johndonlon1611]

That guy should still be alive today. What were these people thinking? Were they thinking at all? RIP- you did your job even if nobody else did.

[@ThisDate]

Well said!

[@justincase4708]

The US Navy certainly dropped the ball in their treatment of Calvin. I don't care what age you are, if you've entered our military service and served, you should receive any/all rewards due you.

[@ThisDate]

Agree!

[@kevinpurcell7452]

Thanks for the tale. I'll be proud to never forget someone I never knew or heard about. Thanks for your service young man.

[@ThisDate]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jerseyforhawks]

Cheers and Hooray for Calvin. May he Rest in Peace.❤

[@ThisDate]

Amen

[@maryshanley329]

My dad lied about his age ( 16) to enter WW I. I have a picture of him at his training base. Very proud. Thank God that it ended before he could be shipped over. Sadly, his first cousin was buried at sea. We were a different country back then. People were more honorable and patriotic.

[@ThisDate]

God bless your Dad!

[@cynthia-333]

Ty for sharing

[@maryshanley329]

@@ThisDateThank you so much.

[@maryshanley329]

My Dad was not able to access even one penny from the VA. His records and those of many others were lost when a warehouse in St. Louis burned down. That was and is so unfair.

[@helenvanpatterson-patton]

My father did the same thing! He was 16 and stole his older brothers id card. He had to finish high school when he got back. He went AWOL and the MP's found him in an opium den in Chinatown with paper lantern earrings. He was on the USS San Diego. They never saw action. He saw a huge hurricane sink other ships they had come to fuel in the Pacific. So many stories. I miss you Dad.

[@BillyJ244]

Ronald Reagan was a good president. I don't know why the Navy would treat him like that but at least Ronald Reagan tried to rectify the situation. (To a degree) He absolutely could have done more. He absolutely deserves the medal of Honor. When I think about this it really makes me sad. He really had a hard life. Before, during, and after the war. He deserves to be remembered and the whole country should know about this. I'm glad you are speaking up for him. It had to be extremely painful to have all of your teeth ripped and then spend three months in a jail cell only to be dishonorably discharged and have all of your medals stripped away with no medical benefits the rest of your life. The Navy should be should be disgraced and shamed. Horrible.

[@ThisDate]

Just a sad story. Wish he was treated better. Hopefully, someday, he'll get the Medal of Honor.

[@fionanicolson2021]

What an amazing story..This very young man had such incredible courage, beyond anything to do with age. Such valor, such native intelligence. ❤❤

[@wymple09]

Reagan could have done anything he wanted as CIC. He didn't. I have no respect for him.

[@royshidler3351]

His mother did him NO favors . Give him all He worked for & deserved

[@ThisDate]

Truth! Check out our new video on Top WWII badasses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppvPoYFnj5J5f9U

[@mightymikethebear]

Mothers often have less than honest and honorable motivations for the things they do. Fathers are just as guilty.

[@mickthefisherman1562]

I’m an Aussie and what they did was pissing me off, he’s a bigger man than I ever was.

[@ThisDate]

He was a legit hero. Just awful! Deserves the MoH!

[@user-fo8jx4rp2b]

During the Civil War, many were even as young as 8 years old. Yes, he was a beast and robbed of his due.

[@ThisDate]

True

[@DavidBrown-bp4iq]

They saved our lives. We OWE them the highest honors.

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said❤️❤️❤️

[@DavidBrown-bp4iq]

@@ThisDate I have a friend who says she's "not interested." But then again, she wasn't born in America, her father was a Navy desk brat, she brags about his career when he wasn't THERE. Some of us lost family. Not she. Not he. No wonder they're "not interested."

[@bec9696]

My 12yo probably could not cut a purple heart out of paper! Such a sad story and life for such a courageous and heroic MAN who deserved respect😢

[@ThisDate]

Haha so true!

[@panosgamithis8868]

He was just a boy , but he lived like a man , he was more of a man than most are today... May you rest now with all the brave who gave everything to save everything we hold dear...!!! ..."GOD BLESS YOU"...❤

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said!

[@scottmccluremcclure3916]

He was man,not only that He was a mans man. Thank you for your service.

[@ThisDate]

Indeed!

[@FinarfinNoldorin]

OMG. I can't believe it. Unbelievable. Instead of being arrested, he SHOULD have been given a purple heart.

[@ThisDate]

Yes!!!!!!

[@cerberus2881]

Sounds like his mother was no gem either!

[@ThisDate]

She really wasn't!

[@johnmcdougald1238]

My Grandfather was a 16 year old, WW2, Navy Veteran. He retired in 1974 as a HMCS.

[@ThisDate]

God bless your grandfather!

[@seanodwyer4322]

mom knew a gent who went too w.w.1 from timaru town in new zealand at age 13 . He said he wanted too die becuase he cooked too death a cat in a wood oven back in timaru town in the south island of new zealand.- it gave him a extreme guilty conciuoness. and he survived france 1914- 1919 , but he said in his life he could not forgive himself for killin the cat in a cruel way- alowin it too slowly cook to death in one off those old wooded stove ovens.- in his mind it was worse than what he saw in the w.w.1 battlefields in - france/ belgium.

[@TamraAdnan786]

My grandfather was in WW2 Navy Seabees,My great grandfather was in WW1 Navy,My father was in Vietnam Navy,I was Army,no wartime for me tho. My husband was also Army,my son is a Marine. We are Def a military family❤

[@panosgamithis8868]

God bless you Kalvin , you were just a boy , but you lived like a man , you were more of a man than most are today... Thank you for your Service , may you rest now in heaven with all the rest of the "BRAVEST"...!!!!

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said!

[@flparkermdpc]

He lived like a man because he had no better choice. That's true for males right now.

[@theminutemen1275]

Absolutely incredible! This kid is a HERO. This is what legends are made from!

[@ThisDate]

Amazing story right?

[@flparkermdpc]

Yes. A Shakespearean tragedy.

[@theminutemen1275]

@@flparkermdpc He had stones. Defended my freedom

[@billiebickers....]

Name a battle ship after him. The USSCalvin. He certainly deserves honor for his service.

[@theminutemen1275]

@@billiebickers.... I Totally agree! What a HERO! Merry Christmas

[@TedBronson1918]

It simply galls me when an organization stands in judgement over a young, wounded combat veteran and strips him of earned medals, dishonorably discharges him from service with no medical benefits, thereby acting dishonorably itself, in fact. The pencil pushing Navy was embarrassed and got their panties all in a twist. Shamefully, they took it out on a 13 year old kid who had been wounded fighting heroically for his country.

[@ThisDate]

Perfectly said. Agree!

[@billiebickers....]

Ì still don't understand how they could give a dishonorable discharge. He did nothing to dishonor this country or the military.

[@garypender9459]

The Navy commanders that made these decisions were probably “desk jockey”, career ticket punching, “lifers”, that never saw combat!!! Saw many of this type, while I was in the army, ( Stateside, Vietnam and West Germany)!!🇺🇸🎖🇺🇸

[@ThisDate]

Thank you for your service!

[@williamherndon5065]

Calvin was a menber of the crew. He stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow sailors in the battles he's a combat sailor! His shipmates should had spocken out in defence of their brother. Calvin earned his awards in battle along side his shipmates. BM2 SW-AW Herndon, WM USNRET.

[@Alberto-mc6yk]

He has no Medal of Honor?!?! This is infuriating and can not stand. He and his children deserve much better. And all our vets deserve much more then we as a society do. 😢

[@ThisDate]

Treated so poorly!

[@billreal76]

What an incredible story! I loved the short and this one even better! I agree, this guy should receive the Medal of Honor. The Navy should re-review his military records and reconsider giving this young man the Medal of Honor. It's the right thing to do.

[@ThisDate]

Thank you!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@justinhealey2408]

True !!!!

[@douglasbrown970]

If anyone deserves the medal of honor that kid did and also the military needs to put into the record a letter to state the entire countrys appreciation and apologies for the harm they caused to such a defender of our country.... period

[@ThisDate]

Amen!

[@jodidavis6595]

Thank you so much for this story. Very sad but let’s pray he does get what he so deserves. More patriotic than 75% of Americans today

[@ThisDate]

Thank you for watching ♥️♥️Check our longer video on Jimmy Stewart that we just posted: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIe9ZaFqZ82bY8k

[@jodidavis6595]

@@ThisDate I did see that one too. Also very amazing 🥹❤️🇺🇸

[@ThisDate]

Thank you♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@bruerR8757]

Almost too painful to watch and listen to for me. He is the best example of what made his generation so great. Thanks Calvin for all you did and for all you sacrificed. It was not in vain.

[@ThisDate]

Agree. Hard to even write this one.

[@flparkermdpc]

Calvin was there in the midst of the most consequential naval battle in the Guadalcanal Campaign. That battleship battle broke the Japanese resolve to keep Guadalcanal, which became the FIRST time the Japanese lost in the Asia Pacific, and after which they never won anything of substance. The Guadalcanal Campaign was where the USA learned how to fight. And Calvin was in the first graduating class.

[@bruerR8757]

I couldn't agree more. I just hope and pray that wasn't a different America. @@flparkermdpc

[@brianm9467]

This kid / american Hero needs to get the medal of honor.

[@ThisDate]

We have to get it for him!

[@justinhealey2408]

​@@ThisDateu have my vote

[@SandraHof]

Poor Calvin.😢 My dad made the first landing on Guadalcanal. He was in the US Marine Corp, 1st Div, Amphibious. He was one of the ones guarding Henderson Field. He nearly died there from malaria and dysentery. He was so sick he was actually sent back to the US to be an instructor instead of being shipped off to another Pacific battle.

[@ThisDate]

God bless your Dad!!!!!

[@SandraHof]

@@ThisDate Thank you! He was a good man and a wonderful father. He went on to a 30 year career with the Los Angeles Police Dept, being awarded the Medal of Valor by the department for rescuing a family of 4 from a burning vehicle on the freeway. For 15 years he worked the Watts part of Los Angeles, including undercover. He worked the 1965 Watts Riots. He said that time period was more frightening than being on Guadalcanal. He served two terms as a city councilman where we lived in southern California. A movie could have been made about his life. He had a great sense of humor and could tell a story. When he was about 80 years old he lost all his central vision to the wet form of macular degeneration. After his girlfriend died, I moved back to California to live with him as his caregiver. We had nearly 9 wonderful years together until he passed away at 91 years of age.😢💔 His mind and wit were sharp as could be to the end. My oldest brother followed in our father’s footsteps and went into law enforcement as well. But he joined the California Highway Patrol. He rode motors for 15 of his 40 year career with them. After going on ”ride alongs" as a teenager with our dad in his patrol car, and dad letting him put handcuffs on a suspect after a footchase, convinced my brother that was the job for him. He and my dad were always two of my heroes. I emailed this video to him last night, as I knew he would enjoy it.

[@Guillot0511]

Outstanding story and video. I really appreciate your hard work and time put in to research these amazing stories and Americans. Cheers from Louisiana.

[@ThisDate]

Thank you❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jerryeaves9180]

The MOH should be awarded to this patriot. I will sign the petition any day. Jerry Eaves-USAF 1957-1966

[@ThisDate]

Awesome♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@dmcgill9360]

Calvin's spirit was so much greater than his age, for this he must be rewarded posthumously. He is so typical of his fantastic generation and was cheated of any glory or thanks. I know of a few in the UK that were way to young to go to war, too.. Bless his heart ❤️

[@ThisDate]

Well said!

[@nyca520]

12 or not. He was more man than most adult men. A hero in my book that should be celebrated. KIds today should be aware of him now to demonstrate what love of country and patriotism is. Thank you sir for your heroic service to our country

[@ThisDate]

An amazing amazing person!

[@UT2TXpotter]

Imagine James Cameron or Steven Spielberg making a movie out of this. It’d be a bad ass movie!

[@ThisDate]

It would be!!!!

[@nancyjanzen5676]

There is a movie made for TV Too Young The Hero.

[@JamesDoylesGarage]

I'm 17. My Dad has taught me of this sense of duty and honour my whole life. My generation has no sense of honour. Some times I feel alone. But I also feel god to know I'd do the right thing to.

[@ThisDate]

God bless your Dad!

[@MrSaucepot]

This video made me so angry. We celebrate our veterans for show. Look how thankful gracious and generous we are. Yet behind it all our Veterans suffer so much. Why would anyone want to join up only to be treated like a number. Great video by the way.

[@ThisDate]

Totally agree!!!!

[@flparkermdpc]

You make a very valid point, and recruiting numbers are showing that people are figuring it out.

[@windronner1]

Heart-wrenching. A very sad statement of our system

[@ThisDate]

Very said💔

[@davidberry7719]

They did a made-for-tv movie about him in 1988. Starred Ricky Schroeder as Calvin. It was called Too Young the Hero.

[@ThisDate]

Yup I mention it!!!

[@elissalee3057]

So very sad😢. Tysm Calvin for your service. You deserve lots of metals of honor.

[@ThisDate]

Amen

[@user-tu2db5gm6f]

He should not have been allowed to serve he was a child, but he was an American Hero

[@ThisDate]

Indeed!

[@LovingAtlanta]

😭🙏OMG Thank you for covering this story. Calvin was denied his rightful due. The Navy’s actions towards him are despicable & disgraceful. He should have been honorably discharged with full medical benefits. He should get the Metal of Honor. The government needs to right their wrong towards Calvin. RIP dear Calvin. Gone but not forgotten. 🙏😭💝

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said♥️✝️

[@georgegallant4812]

This guy is the embodiment of America of time past.

[@ThisDate]

So so so true!

[@TamraAdnan786]

Calvin was at only 12 years old, what every MAN should strive to be! As an Army veteran, I can admit that MOST of the so- called"men" in our militaey service are only children fresh out of high school and they only serve cuz they get a pay check! No one really expects to go to war, much less be injured in combat and is venture to say that when I was in guys would not be strong enough to ignore treatment and provide security and protection for his mates! Calvin was more of a man than any man I've ever known! God rest his soul... thank you Calvin for your service! I'm ashamed of my country when I hear stories like this!😢Thanks for sharing!

[@ThisDate]

Thanks!!!

[@hoppas77]

His mom did the worst.. First not defending him against the step father then turning him in..very sad!

[@ThisDate]

💔💔💔

[@Fidd88-mc4sz]

There were 134 Boy Seamen who were killed when the Royal Oak was sunk in '39. Their ages ranged from 13 to 17, but it wasn't uncommon for those going on to be midshipmen to be even younger.

[@ThisDate]

Wow! Didn't know that!

[@rons4778]

The British navy has always used cabin boys

[@FewPewPewRah]

Back then if you were able to get through boot camp, and you occupational field training with a bunch of testosterone pumped drunks you have someone who is very determined and special. As a veteran combat Marine I am greatly moved by such a mature 12 year old. But to be honest that generation brought up millions of young boys and they quickly became men. Edit: Nick you're a great story teller. I look forward to many more.

[@ThisDate]

Thank you!❤️❤️❤️ check out my long video on John Basilone!

[@Strongboy1770]

And to think that today poor excuses of young men need trigger warnings and crying rooms.

[@FewPewPewRah]

That's a true statement.@@Strongboy1770

[@johnshannon524]

Some.@@Strongboy1770

[@acharletta]

What a great story! The Navy should be ashamed. Thank God President Reagan stepped up. My father joined the Navy at 17 right after Pearl Harbor with my grandmother's permission let alone at 12. God bless this man's soul.

[@ThisDate]

God bless your father!

[@stevensmith3914]

God Bless Ronald Reagan

[@valethewolf49]

Why on earth arrest Him? I get that he lied, but that does not change the fact that he was a hero. He put himself at risk to help his ship mates. Not one metal should have been taken, he earned those. They should have made him a junior officer, fixed his mouth and paid for college or maybe given him a job on base. Maybe community service for lying. I definitely think an apology should be given to his family and he should be given a metal of honor. He deserved so much more. He's an American Hero and his story should be given its rightful respect.❤

[@ThisDate]

Totally agree!!!!

[@oldwarriorlife]

Mr. Ragone, THANK YOU for telling these awesome war stories. Your videos should serve as a template for a tv series about these stories. So many stories to tell. The masses need to understand what warfare does to people...before, during and after! Salute to you and your team.

[@ThisDate]

Thank you❤️❤️❤️ We're launching a Jimmy Stewart video tomorrow!

[@garybraswell6571]

God bless Calvin, Thank you

[@ThisDate]

AMEN!

[@herberthallum2078]

This is an amazing story. I can't imagine myself in his shoes in a world war. My God this young man definitely got some tough breaks and the US NAVY owes him an apology for his mistreatment and dishonorable discharge and no medical benefits. And yes I believe that they should honor his deeds with the MEDAL OF HONOR.

[@ThisDate]

Kid was some kind of hero!

[@johelenfugate3498]

My grandpa joined the navy when he was underaged, and fought in WWI and WWII . He always made up a fake name for his mother when he filled out the census. He wanted to cover his tracks .

[@ThisDate]

God bless him!!!!!

[@flparkermdpc]

Absolutely, enthralling. Empowering. And then, heartbreaking, and infuriating. The decade of his abbreviated, no, truncated, CHILDhood, was the depth of the Not So Great, DEPRESSION. This kid showed tremendous pluck, there's an antique word, that a single opportunity would have him becoming an..outstanding citizen. I wish he had stumbled into Father O'Malley's church, and been loved a little. Just a little. I'm sure if there was even a single shipmate left alive after those battles who heard of his plights, plural, he would have been rescued. To take away all that he fought for and then send him back to the same inadequate family is unbelievable. In the United States. But much of the rest of the world still kicks the powerless to the curb. I Don't have too look far. Thanks for airing this story.

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said. Thank you

[@flparkermdpc]

Your podcast has sidled right up next to my other fave...I'll be looking for August 2...to see what you pick

[@flparkermdpc]

To add to my previous post: the "WE" who wish to get Congress to recommend Calvin for HIS MoH need a command center, or CP. This Battle that Calvin was in on SODAK, consisted of the last available surface force that Admiral Halsey had to send back up the Slot into Iron Bottom Sound to try to repel a formidable Japanese force bent on shelling Henderson Field into dust, having failed two nights previously when a US Navy cruiser force led by Admiral Callaghan managed to Mission kill the Japanese two battleship bombardment force, at the cost of nearly 1500 US Navy sailors and their ships. South Dakota and USS Washington under Admiral Willis Lee were sent back into the sound to oppose the return of the Japanesesingle battleship bombardment force. Through a series of errors, South Dakota performed badly that night November 14th when she lost all electric power after a main circuit breaker tripped, blinding S Dakota's surveillance and fire direction radars. She became the goat that got pummeled, and Washington was left to kill the Japanese battleship Kirishima, saving Henderson Field. You could say that Willis Lee saved the Guadalcanal campaign right there, even though there were three more months to go. If Henderson field is down for any length of time, the Japanese would have had the opportunity to reinforce. BUT, there was too much USA. And Calvin was there on South Dakota, which played Jake Lamotta, absorbing all the Japanese attention while Washington got into position to ambush Kirishima. Remarkable that the other dozen Japanese ships didn't surround Washington and fill the water with Long Lance's, but early on Lee killed Kirishima's ability to complete the mission. And Calvin was there. The Navy acted stupidly with Calvin. He would have raised zillions on a war bond tour. Women would have taken food money for Calvin.

[@0ldb1ll]

He was denied ANY medals because he was too young, AND he took charge of 18 year olds. Grossly unfair.

[@ThisDate]

Grossly unfair!

[@crosenym]

There is a TV Movie about Calvin called "Too Young the Hero". Really well done.

[@ThisDate]

Yup I mentioned it towards the end!

[@billotto602]

I LOVE your videos. God bless you sir for highlighting our nation's heros. 🫡 🇺🇸

[@ThisDate]

Thank you!

[@ThisDate]

Thank you! We love telling their stories!❤️🇺🇸

[@nikosilvis4568]

This breaks my heart shame on the Navy, they should have discharged him honerbly and got him into a RTOC program his life could have been so much different with the discipline of the military and his drive to serve. I think he deserves the Medal of Honor he earned it

[@ThisDate]

I agree!

[@user-fv5ms4sz8e]

Calvin Graham must have been exceptionally large and healthy for his age, to pass himself off as a grown man, six years his senior. I agree, this is far beyond the scope of imagination and as is said often, truth is often stranger than fiction. The military awarded him for his heroic deeds and then later strip him of those awards, simply because he tricked his way into naval service. These types of honors are given to all types of people; regardless if they are saints or sinners. The military has at times in the past allowed people to avoid prison, to serve the military instead and probably used incarcerated criminals, as well. So, it is nice to know that his medals of heroic and brave service was officially reinstated. In closing, young people suffer from a lack of adequate role models and Calvin is one they need to know about and just as amazing as other examples have been immortalized in the movies, so should be Calvin Graham.

[@ThisDate]

He was actually very small, 5 foot 2 and 125 pounds! He was REALLY determined to get into the action!

[@dannycorsaro546]

There is a movie

[@ThisDate]

Yes to Young to Hero!

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

This young man deserves the "Medal of Honor." He put this life on the line several times, saving other Sailors..Also defending the USS South Dakota and shooting down Japanese planes. When the US Navy gave him a Dishonorable Discharge, this started this life on a downward spiral. If he had been an eighteen year old he would have earned the Medal of Honor. Semper Fidelis from an old Marine Sergeant.

[@ThisDate]

So true. So true. Thank you for your service 🫡

[@user-eb6cz3um6h]

Calvin was a Remarkable Young Man ! What an Incredible Young Man ! This Young Man Deserved The Medal of Honour Postumously ! This was a Travesty towards a Very Brave Young Patriot !

[@jamesholcombe435]

The story of Bruno Guido was amazing, especially when the old man was searching high and low for him, he was hiding because he thought he was in trouble. So much like boys lol.

[@ThisDate]

Will look into it!

[@jamesholcombe435]

@@ThisDate it happened at midway, Bruno manned a dauntless dive bomber machine gun on deck of a carrier, he fired at a Betty bomber that was coming in on a suicide run, he shot the engine out. Later killed at guadal when his plane shot down and captured, they tied a weight to his pilot and his feet and tossed them overboard.

[@ms.sonshine8878]

Wow! This really angered me and saddened me. His treatment was a disgrace! Unbelieveable! Even denying him medical benefits! I hope he found some happiness in this life. He is a true American legend and Hero. RIP, Calvin.

[@ThisDate]

True American hero!

[@keving1318]

Amen, clear skies, Mr. Graham.

[@ThisDate]

Amen!

[@maryshanley329]

I am sure that he has a high place in Heaven. God bless, you, sir.

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said❤️

[@amypaparone55]

Calvin deserved to be made a general, Nevermind be thrown in the brig. He had more moxie, more patriotism and more sense then all those who treated this young man like garbage. God bless him!

[@ThisDate]

True!

[@ConnieKelsey]

Thank You Calvin for your Service!

[@ThisDate]

True hero! Our video remembering the 16 medal of honor recipients from DDay: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5vFmaSZq9OqrcUsi=HrlxC3YMsmR28Y3X

[@billp1954]

The history of the United States is full of examples of "too young" soldiers and sailors. Most don't receive the recognition that they deserve because they were just doing their job. When you have someone who goes above and beyond they should be recognized and awarded just like their older counterparts. It's past time we honor men and women regardless of age, race, or creed. Give them their just due.

[@ThisDate]

Well said and so true!

[@daleupthegrove6396]

I have been planning on writing a novel about a 15 year old WW2 airman who is found out and sent home and the struggle he faces to reintegrate into civilian life. This story has been a huge boost to my inspiration. Fair winds and following seas, sailor.

[@ThisDate]

Wow definitely write it!

[@dougww1ectebow]

I was born in South Dakota, and never knew any of this. There is a monument to the ship in Sioux Falls. Thank you for this.

[@ThisDate]

Wow! Very cool♥️♥️♥️

[@johnbrooks595]

He definitely earned the MOH!

[@ThisDate]

Absolutely

[@brendacole9990]

What the navy did was despicable!!!!!!!

[@ThisDate]

💯💯💯

[@-.Steven]

Such an incredible story! Thanks for sharing!

[@ThisDate]

Thanks ❤️❤️❤️

[@ehayes5217]

a great (& sad) story, with wonderful, heartfelt narration, thank u🇺🇸

[@ThisDate]

Thank you ♥️♥️♥️

[@petergulpers4710]

Medal of Honor stands for above and beyond the call of duty, its inbodys of who he is his life before the world war his sacrafich he went true and this for a 12 jear old boy ❤❤❤❤

[@ThisDate]

Agree!!!!!

[@rickrickard2788]

I've learned much in my life about WWII. And there was something familiar when I saw your short today. I was going to touch on how I ran away at 14, and other things- only because I had a feeling that was the true story behind his actions. That, and this kid loved his country. And when you see GOOD MEN going off to die for what is RIGHT, it does something to those who's heart is in the right place. I can guarantee you something- what set this kid on the wrong path, was the treatment by the Navy. PERIOD. That was unconscionable. The absolutely WORST THING they could have done, was what they did. That's on THEM, not him. What they should have done imo- is go before the American people, TRUTHFULLY, MADE it a national story, SHOW kids in America what this brave boy did, and let them know that THIS is why we MUST wait until all of you all old enough, to have lived enough of this life, and are educated enough, so that, if something devastating like Calvin's injury happens to you, and you witness the hardest parts of war, you'll be able to get through the recovery process, both physically & mentally, in the best way possible. Then? They could have put Calvin on the Lecture circuit, so he could help the Navy explain the TRUTH of war. THIS is how AMERICAN'S ACT. We do NOT try to cover shit up, to save our own asses, because y'all allowed a 12 year old boy to make it into war. Handled as the above, do you REALLY think "WE THE PEOPLE" would have blamed our military? This kid would have experienced such love from this nation- I highly doubt the hell he wound up going through because of your actions, NAVY, ever would have occurred. AND you'd have had THE BEST spokesperson you could ever hope to find, to both PROMOTE service, AND promote WAITING until the proper age. This man was a national hero, whom was treated like a ZERO. THAT is how you RUIN someone. I've not heard of ANY BETTER CASE IN U.S. HISTORY for the Medal of Honor, than this one. And NOT because the military "Owes him something". The time for apologies and compensation for your vile treatment of this boy are long past.... But because this young American hero proved he's far, far more, than just a "Hero". He proved he's a TRUE AMERICAN, who BLED RED, WHITE, & BLUE, and cared about OTHERS, FAR ABOVE HIMSELF. THAT is why he deserves the MOH. Period.

[@ThisDate]

Wow! Love this. Great idea! Wish the Navy had this much common sense. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@flparkermdpc]

I just posted a similar, shorter comment addendum, but this is better. More passionate, greater thought development.

[@Christina-bz3mo]

If he had a child, where is that child, perhaps they can get deserved benefits and accept Calvin's Medal. (I believe Audie Murphy was only 15 when he enlisted, was not so maltreated.). Every young boy I knew in our neighborhood liked to play war games, have pretend forts, etc, from age 8 and up (mid-1960's). Perfectly normal. Calvin just kicked it up a notch to Reality. God Bless Calvin and his Heroism in Battle, saved lives as well. Medal of Honor material.🌹❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@valethewolf49]

​@@Christina-bz3movery good idea!!!

[@cynnail395]

He needs a statue in Washington ,dedicated to him and all the underaged that served in the military ,that can be listed on that monument, similar to the Vietnam memorial. There should be a special medal given to each of them, posthumously or living , and 16:32 those that deserve the MOH should be awarded

[@jayneharhen4497]

He is a true American hero. And God has taken him safely into his loving arms. The end .. amen 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said

[@kennithchapman9689]

How many grown men can say they were a bad ass war hero. And this guy was a 12 year old kid. Only the US Navy could screw someone so completely. Men like him is why we live in the greatest country in the world 👍🇺🇸

[@ThisDate]

Beautifully said!

[@harrisonmantooth7363]

BRAVO, very well said. I saw the movie, Too Young The Hero" and would recommend it to everyone who has a desire for WW2 History. Yes, it was brutal for him and all veterans. Indeed, Calvin should have received each of his medals along with the Medal Of Honor. I want to thank you for sharing each of these episodes to us. One of my uncles was only 17 years old when he begged his parents to sign his enlistment papers. Again I want to thank you. Stan

[@ThisDate]

Thank you. What an extraordinary generation of Americans!

[@agnusa719]

Thank you for sharing this young man's story.

[@ThisDate]

Thank you for watching!

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

I’m 35 and this 12 year old is a tougher man than me. A lot to ask of an 18 year old but unbelievable of someone who isn’t even a teenager.

[@ThisDate]

Amazing stuff right?

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

@@ThisDate definitely just finished the video on Matt Urban. That man was unreal and I thought I was pretty knowledgeable on WW2 and had never heard of him. Thanks for these will be watching many more tonight.

[@ThisDate]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[@napoliansolo7865]

Calvin might not yet been a "man", but he was man enough. Another great video!

[@ThisDate]

Thanks!

[@truthwins3065]

It didn’t make sense that the Navy made an example of him to discourage other kids to join the Navy too young. If the navy wanted to punish someone, they should’ve zeroed in on the people responsible for checking the kids ages. Anyway, it is so terribly wrong, just awful what they did to this young man.

[@ThisDate]

Agreed!🙏🏼

[@user-bc6uw4vv5o]

I can't stop crying.

[@ThisDate]

I did multiple takes for the same reason. Hard video to do.😢😢😢💔

[@kayeruss7313]

According to Wikipedia, he traveled to his grandmother's funeral and was a day late. He did not have permission, so they threw him in the brig and kept him there because they didn't know what to do with him. They had a rule that he had to be 14 in order for them to discharge him. How this makes any sense is beyond me, but that's the Navy for you (and any other branch of military service).

[@ThisDate]

Great info!

[@eightballcuet]

This story brought tears to my eyes

[@ThisDate]

♥️♥️♥️💔💔😢😢😢

[@JoseSilva-ip5xi]

Yes medal of honor.

[@ThisDate]

Definitely