George H. Cannon might not be a household name, but this American hero deserves a spotlight, and not just on Veterans Day. Born in Webster Groves, Missouri, in 1915, Cannon was a shrewd young man who attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in engineering in 1938. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed on Midway Island. When the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, they also targeted neighboring installations, including Midway. Cannon's actions during this period are the epitome of bravery, a word often misused today when applied to deviant pop star antics rather than soldiers who faced down bullets and bombs.
During that attack on Midway, Cannon didn't run from danger. While under heavy fire, he remained at his post to ensure vital communications were maintained. Even when wounded, he continued performing his duties until the base's defense was secure. Only then did he allow himself to be taken to safety, refusing medical attention until others were cared for first. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries that same day, becoming the first Marine in World War II to earn the Medal of Honor posthumously. With that courage, he sealed his legacy as a true American hero, yet he remains largely absent from modern history books. The agenda-driven focus of our education system often prioritizes a different narrative.
Lightly tapping our touchscreens for a virtual medal in courage doesn't compare to George H. Cannon's real-world valor. Having led six men through harrowing circumstances, his conduct should be a go-to case study for leadership. His perseverance paints a stark contrast to the pampered celebrities given excessive airtime today. Cannon demonstrated how true courage isn't about shouting the loudest but serving the quietest, all while accomplishing the mission.
If he were around today, one could only imagine his frustration hearing the term 'bravery' thrown into debates about wearing face masks or speaking hateful slogans under the guise of free speech. This warrior understood personal responsibility and duty—concepts that are fast disappearing from cultural dialogues. He would remind us that bravery isn't a word to be thrown around lightly, and values like discipline and loyalty aren't just buzzwords for campaign slogans.
Our education system could benefit from flipping through chapters of American military history focusing on characters like Cannon. His spirit exemplifies the virtues that allow societies to thrive: self-sacrifice, courage, and relentless duty. Yet, he's not a headline grabber; perhaps because true courage doesn't fit the victimhood narrative too often glorified in today's society.
The Medal of Honor isn't just a decoration. It's a commitment to an ideal greater than oneself, reflecting the foundational principles this nation was built upon. Cannon didn't just wear the uniform; he personified what the uniform stands for. Yet, mention his name in today's dialogues and watch eyes glaze over, as political correctness erases such narratives in favor of less patriotic agendas.
Those who believe that recognizing our military heroes like George H. Cannon is somehow imbued with any negative connotation fail to see the bigger picture. We honor our heroes not just by writing about them but by embodying the values they stood for. Courage, hard work, duty to country—these aren't just punchlines in a partisan narrative but the very soul of America's ascent. Cannon showed us what that looks like during his few but impactful years.
Let this post serve as a reminder of who George H. Cannon was—and why more should take a page from his story. Not every hero wears a cape, but you'd have to admit Cannon certainly deserved one. Instead of dishing out accolades for the trivial, our society should focus on those who truly deserve our praise and attention. Cannon's sacrifice is just one among many that should have guaranteed him a prominent place in our history lessons—a place he so richly deserves but is often denied, ironically, for being too quintessentially American.