Rear Gunner on a B-17. Killed in action. Killed by anti-aircraft fire while bombing Davao Air Field in the Philippines.
"Throughout an enemy attack lasting 20 minutes Cannon manned his gun coolly and effectively despite heavy fire from attacking planes and with two other gunners succeeded in beating off the attack. He lost his life while courageously defending his plane."
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James Lester Cannon (ASN: 6254686), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Member of the Crew of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 14th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 December 1941, against enemy Japanese targets in Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Cannon on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
"Throughout an enemy attack lasting 20 minutes Cannon manned his gun coolly and effectively despite heavy fire from attacking planes and with two other gunners succeeded in beating off the attack. He lost his life while courageously defending his plane."
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James Lester Cannon (ASN: 6254686), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Member of the Crew of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 14th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 December 1941, against enemy Japanese targets in Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Cannon on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Rear Gunner on a B-17. Killed in action. Killed by anti-aircraft fire while bombing Davao Air Field in the Philippines.
"Throughout an enemy attack lasting 20 minutes Cannon manned his gun coolly and effectively despite heavy fire from attacking planes and with two other gunners succeeded in beating off the attack. He lost his life while courageously defending his plane."
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James Lester Cannon (ASN: 6254686), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Member of the Crew of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 14th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 December 1941, against enemy Japanese targets in Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Cannon on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
"Throughout an enemy attack lasting 20 minutes Cannon manned his gun coolly and effectively despite heavy fire from attacking planes and with two other gunners succeeded in beating off the attack. He lost his life while courageously defending his plane."
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James Lester Cannon (ASN: 6254686), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Member of the Crew of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 14th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 December 1941, against enemy Japanese targets in Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Cannon on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Texas.
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