Calvin Graham
Calvin Graham was a boy who lived a long time ago. When he was just 11 years old, he wanted to be brave and helpful, so he joined the military to help fight in World War II.
Now, joining the military is usually something people do when they are all grown-up and have finished school, but Calvin was very determined. He lied about his age, which means he said he was older than he really was, so that he could join the Navy.
Calvin was sent to fight in the war on a big ship called the USS South Dakota. He had to do some pretty dangerous things, like manning a machine gun to protect the ship from enemy planes. He was even injured during one of these dangerous battles!
But when Calvin's mom found out what he had done, she was very upset. She told the Navy that her son was only 11, and that he should not have been allowed to join the military.
Unfortunately, this meant that Calvin was in a lot of trouble. The Navy punished him for lying, and they also made him leave the military.
But that's not all. Because of what he did, Calvin was not allowed to receive any medals or recognition for his bravery in the war. It wasn't until many years later that people started to find out about Calvin's story and the sacrifices he made at such a young age.
Today, Calvin is remembered as a hero for his bravery and determination, even though he never got the recognition he deserved at the time.
Now, joining the military is usually something people do when they are all grown-up and have finished school, but Calvin was very determined. He lied about his age, which means he said he was older than he really was, so that he could join the Navy.
Calvin was sent to fight in the war on a big ship called the USS South Dakota. He had to do some pretty dangerous things, like manning a machine gun to protect the ship from enemy planes. He was even injured during one of these dangerous battles!
But when Calvin's mom found out what he had done, she was very upset. She told the Navy that her son was only 11, and that he should not have been allowed to join the military.
Unfortunately, this meant that Calvin was in a lot of trouble. The Navy punished him for lying, and they also made him leave the military.
But that's not all. Because of what he did, Calvin was not allowed to receive any medals or recognition for his bravery in the war. It wasn't until many years later that people started to find out about Calvin's story and the sacrifices he made at such a young age.
Today, Calvin is remembered as a hero for his bravery and determination, even though he never got the recognition he deserved at the time.