Charles D.W. Canham

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on August 23, 2004:

Charles Draper Wm. Canham, 2d Born March 12, 1925 - Died December 1, 1997 Charles Draper William "Chuck" Canham was born in Howell, Michigan on 12 March 1925 and was appointed to West Point from the 11th Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Twenty-five years ago, another Chuck Canham joined the Long Grey Line. Both Chucks came to the Academy from enlisted service the two great wars. The Academic Department detained both for an extra year. The best we can wish Chuck is that he may continue to emulate the successes of his father. With big ideas his specialty, Red Dog will be at the top when the roll is called up yonder." During his cadet days Chuck was on the Ring Committee; the Ski, Art, and Camera Clubs all four years; went out for Soccer, the Ski Patrol, and Radio Club for two years; the Spanish Club for three and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Chuck went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 11th Airborne Division from 1951 to 1952. Next Chuck served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander with the 23rd Infantry Regiment in Korea until 1953. He was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy and the Combat Infantryman Badge on completion of this tour. From 1953 to 1955 Chuck served as Company Commander with the 1st Cavalry Division and then was appointed Professor of Military Science and Tactics at St. Johns University where he served from 1955 to 1958. In 1960 Chuck earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Tulane University and then was assigned to the Staff & Faculty at SWS from 1961 to 1962. Then from 1962 to 1963 Chuck returned to the war zone, this time with the 5th Special Forces Group in the Republic of Vietnam and on completion of this duty was decorated with the Soldier's Medal for distinguished heroism not involving conflict with an enemy, two Purple Hearts for wounds in action against an enemy, and a second Combat Infantryman Badge. His next assignment was with a Project Team from 1963 to 1965 for which he was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. During 1966 Chuck attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and earned a Masters of Military Art and Sciences degree as well. Chuck's next assignment was as Deputy Commanding Officer, Support Command and Battalion Commander with the 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam; on completion of which he was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action, a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services, a second Bronze Star Medal (for valor this time) for distinguished heroism against an enemy, nine Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight, and two more Purple Hearts for wounds in action against an enemy. Next Chuck was named Inspector General and Gifts Officer at United States Military Academy where he served as such from 1967 to 1972 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. In 1973 Chuck attended the Navy War College and on completion was assigned to his last military position with the Office J7, European Command and served until 1975 when he retired disabled as a Colonel from the United States Army. On retirement Chuck was awarded a third Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. The November 1997 Assembly noted that Chuck and Jackie Canham are well after a year of medical setbacks in Newport, RI. Their son-in-law Col. David Daigh, husband of daughter Karen and son of John and Margaret Daigh, is chief of neurology surgery at Walter Reed. Sons CDW III and John are doing well. Chuck and his wife Jackie made their home in Newport, Rhode Island until he died on December 1, 1997 in Boston, Mass. Cullum 7997 is Charles D. W. Canham Class of 1926. Chuck was an Infantryman. For the Infantryman's Creed click: Creed

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