Cannon, Charles L. Jr. Born on January 14, 1924 in Dierks, AR and passed away on October 14, 2008 in Garland, TX. Former Garland City Council member from 1970 to 1974. Charles served his nation in the Army and is a Battle of the Bulge survivor. He was also local and district commander and past state commander for VFW. He is survived by wife, Mary Jo Cannon; daughter, Janis Brezik and son-in- law Steve; grandchildren, James Brezik and wife Nikki, Cheryl Ledenham and husband James, and Aaron Brezik; and 8 great- grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8PM Thursday October 16, 2008 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be at 12:30PM Friday October 17, 2008 at Restland Memorial Chapel.
MILITARY SERVICE: World War II - France, Survivor of "The Battle of the Bulge". (see Below)
DECORATIONS: The Bronze Star with three stars.
CRITERIA:
a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
b. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star.
c. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.
PUBLIC SERVICE: Garland City Council 1970 - 1974
AFFILIATIONS:
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - Garland Post 5076, Past Local, District and State Commander.
MASONIC SERVICE - Garland Masonic Lodge #441, Valley of Dallas Scottish Rite, Hella Shrine, Dallas York Rite Bodies.
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE:
The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German offensive launched towards the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg on the Western Front. The offensive was called Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (Translated as Operation The Guard on the Rhine or Operation "Watch on the Rhine.") by the German armed forces (Wehrmacht). This German offensive was officially named the Battle of the Ardennes by the U.S. Army, but it is known to the general public simply as the Battle of the Bulge. The "bulge" was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies' line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers.
The German offensive was supported by subordinate operations known as Unternehmen Bodenplatte, Unternehmen Greif, and Unternehmen Währung. Germany's planned goal for these operations was to split the British and American Allied line in half, capturing Antwerp, Belgium, and then proceeding to encircle and destroy four Allied armies, forcing the Western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty in the Axis Powers' favour.
The Germans planned the offensive with utmost secrecy, minimizing radio traffic and conducting the movement of troops and equipment under cover of darkness. Although ULTRA suggested a possible attack and the Third U.S. Army's intelligence staff predicted a major German offensive, the Germans still achieved surprise. This was achieved by a combination of Allied overconfidence, preoccupation with their own offensive plans, poor aerial reconnaissance, and the relative lack of combat contact by the First United States Army in an area considered a "quiet sector". Almost complete surprise against a weak section of the Allies' line was achieved during heavy overcast weather, when the Allies' strong air forces would be grounded.
German objectives ultimately were unrealized. In the wake of the defeat, many experienced German units were left severely depleted of men and equipment, as survivors retreated to the defences of the Siegfried Line. The Battle of the Bulge was the bloodiest of the battles that U.S. forces experienced in World War II; the 19,000 American dead were unsurpassed by those of any other engagement.
NOTE FROM CONTRIBUTOR:
Charlie had a wonderful heart. He adored his wife Mary Jo and was so proud of his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He spoke of them every day I saw him. He was the truest of patriots. He had a strong commitment to people and spent his life serving the veterans. A mason for many years he supported the Scottish Rite Hospital and was the best example of a mason. He made the best Pecan and Apple Pie and spent many a winter night making pie and giving it to family and friends. Often days he would send me home with fruit - apples and oranges to bring to my children. Just one year younger than my father, he was like an adopted parent and grandparent to many of us.
Charles Cannon was one of the best people this world had to offer. He will always live in our hearts and minds.
MILITARY SERVICE: World War II - France, Survivor of "The Battle of the Bulge". (see Below)
DECORATIONS: The Bronze Star with three stars.
CRITERIA:
a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
b. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star.
c. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.
PUBLIC SERVICE: Garland City Council 1970 - 1974
AFFILIATIONS:
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - Garland Post 5076, Past Local, District and State Commander.
MASONIC SERVICE - Garland Masonic Lodge #441, Valley of Dallas Scottish Rite, Hella Shrine, Dallas York Rite Bodies.
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE:
The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German offensive launched towards the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg on the Western Front. The offensive was called Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (Translated as Operation The Guard on the Rhine or Operation "Watch on the Rhine.") by the German armed forces (Wehrmacht). This German offensive was officially named the Battle of the Ardennes by the U.S. Army, but it is known to the general public simply as the Battle of the Bulge. The "bulge" was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies' line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers.
The German offensive was supported by subordinate operations known as Unternehmen Bodenplatte, Unternehmen Greif, and Unternehmen Währung. Germany's planned goal for these operations was to split the British and American Allied line in half, capturing Antwerp, Belgium, and then proceeding to encircle and destroy four Allied armies, forcing the Western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty in the Axis Powers' favour.
The Germans planned the offensive with utmost secrecy, minimizing radio traffic and conducting the movement of troops and equipment under cover of darkness. Although ULTRA suggested a possible attack and the Third U.S. Army's intelligence staff predicted a major German offensive, the Germans still achieved surprise. This was achieved by a combination of Allied overconfidence, preoccupation with their own offensive plans, poor aerial reconnaissance, and the relative lack of combat contact by the First United States Army in an area considered a "quiet sector". Almost complete surprise against a weak section of the Allies' line was achieved during heavy overcast weather, when the Allies' strong air forces would be grounded.
German objectives ultimately were unrealized. In the wake of the defeat, many experienced German units were left severely depleted of men and equipment, as survivors retreated to the defences of the Siegfried Line. The Battle of the Bulge was the bloodiest of the battles that U.S. forces experienced in World War II; the 19,000 American dead were unsurpassed by those of any other engagement.
NOTE FROM CONTRIBUTOR:
Charlie had a wonderful heart. He adored his wife Mary Jo and was so proud of his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He spoke of them every day I saw him. He was the truest of patriots. He had a strong commitment to people and spent his life serving the veterans. A mason for many years he supported the Scottish Rite Hospital and was the best example of a mason. He made the best Pecan and Apple Pie and spent many a winter night making pie and giving it to family and friends. Often days he would send me home with fruit - apples and oranges to bring to my children. Just one year younger than my father, he was like an adopted parent and grandparent to many of us.
Charles Cannon was one of the best people this world had to offer. He will always live in our hearts and minds.
Cannon, Charles L. Jr. Born on January 14, 1924 in Dierks, AR and passed away on October 14, 2008 in Garland, TX. Former Garland City Council member from 1970 to 1974. Charles served his nation in the Army and is a Battle of the Bulge survivor. He was also local and district commander and past state commander for VFW. He is survived by wife, Mary Jo Cannon; daughter, Janis Brezik and son-in- law Steve; grandchildren, James Brezik and wife Nikki, Cheryl Ledenham and husband James, and Aaron Brezik; and 8 great- grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8PM Thursday October 16, 2008 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be at 12:30PM Friday October 17, 2008 at Restland Memorial Chapel.
MILITARY SERVICE: World War II - France, Survivor of "The Battle of the Bulge". (see Below)
DECORATIONS: The Bronze Star with three stars.
CRITERIA:
a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
b. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star.
c. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.
PUBLIC SERVICE: Garland City Council 1970 - 1974
AFFILIATIONS:
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - Garland Post 5076, Past Local, District and State Commander.
MASONIC SERVICE - Garland Masonic Lodge #441, Valley of Dallas Scottish Rite, Hella Shrine, Dallas York Rite Bodies.
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE:
The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German offensive launched towards the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg on the Western Front. The offensive was called Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (Translated as Operation The Guard on the Rhine or Operation "Watch on the Rhine.") by the German armed forces (Wehrmacht). This German offensive was officially named the Battle of the Ardennes by the U.S. Army, but it is known to the general public simply as the Battle of the Bulge. The "bulge" was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies' line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers.
The German offensive was supported by subordinate operations known as Unternehmen Bodenplatte, Unternehmen Greif, and Unternehmen Währung. Germany's planned goal for these operations was to split the British and American Allied line in half, capturing Antwerp, Belgium, and then proceeding to encircle and destroy four Allied armies, forcing the Western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty in the Axis Powers' favour.
The Germans planned the offensive with utmost secrecy, minimizing radio traffic and conducting the movement of troops and equipment under cover of darkness. Although ULTRA suggested a possible attack and the Third U.S. Army's intelligence staff predicted a major German offensive, the Germans still achieved surprise. This was achieved by a combination of Allied overconfidence, preoccupation with their own offensive plans, poor aerial reconnaissance, and the relative lack of combat contact by the First United States Army in an area considered a "quiet sector". Almost complete surprise against a weak section of the Allies' line was achieved during heavy overcast weather, when the Allies' strong air forces would be grounded.
German objectives ultimately were unrealized. In the wake of the defeat, many experienced German units were left severely depleted of men and equipment, as survivors retreated to the defences of the Siegfried Line. The Battle of the Bulge was the bloodiest of the battles that U.S. forces experienced in World War II; the 19,000 American dead were unsurpassed by those of any other engagement.
NOTE FROM CONTRIBUTOR:
Charlie had a wonderful heart. He adored his wife Mary Jo and was so proud of his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He spoke of them every day I saw him. He was the truest of patriots. He had a strong commitment to people and spent his life serving the veterans. A mason for many years he supported the Scottish Rite Hospital and was the best example of a mason. He made the best Pecan and Apple Pie and spent many a winter night making pie and giving it to family and friends. Often days he would send me home with fruit - apples and oranges to bring to my children. Just one year younger than my father, he was like an adopted parent and grandparent to many of us.
Charles Cannon was one of the best people this world had to offer. He will always live in our hearts and minds.
MILITARY SERVICE: World War II - France, Survivor of "The Battle of the Bulge". (see Below)
DECORATIONS: The Bronze Star with three stars.
CRITERIA:
a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
b. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star.
c. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.
PUBLIC SERVICE: Garland City Council 1970 - 1974
AFFILIATIONS:
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - Garland Post 5076, Past Local, District and State Commander.
MASONIC SERVICE - Garland Masonic Lodge #441, Valley of Dallas Scottish Rite, Hella Shrine, Dallas York Rite Bodies.
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE:
The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German offensive launched towards the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg on the Western Front. The offensive was called Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (Translated as Operation The Guard on the Rhine or Operation "Watch on the Rhine.") by the German armed forces (Wehrmacht). This German offensive was officially named the Battle of the Ardennes by the U.S. Army, but it is known to the general public simply as the Battle of the Bulge. The "bulge" was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies' line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers.
The German offensive was supported by subordinate operations known as Unternehmen Bodenplatte, Unternehmen Greif, and Unternehmen Währung. Germany's planned goal for these operations was to split the British and American Allied line in half, capturing Antwerp, Belgium, and then proceeding to encircle and destroy four Allied armies, forcing the Western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty in the Axis Powers' favour.
The Germans planned the offensive with utmost secrecy, minimizing radio traffic and conducting the movement of troops and equipment under cover of darkness. Although ULTRA suggested a possible attack and the Third U.S. Army's intelligence staff predicted a major German offensive, the Germans still achieved surprise. This was achieved by a combination of Allied overconfidence, preoccupation with their own offensive plans, poor aerial reconnaissance, and the relative lack of combat contact by the First United States Army in an area considered a "quiet sector". Almost complete surprise against a weak section of the Allies' line was achieved during heavy overcast weather, when the Allies' strong air forces would be grounded.
German objectives ultimately were unrealized. In the wake of the defeat, many experienced German units were left severely depleted of men and equipment, as survivors retreated to the defences of the Siegfried Line. The Battle of the Bulge was the bloodiest of the battles that U.S. forces experienced in World War II; the 19,000 American dead were unsurpassed by those of any other engagement.
NOTE FROM CONTRIBUTOR:
Charlie had a wonderful heart. He adored his wife Mary Jo and was so proud of his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He spoke of them every day I saw him. He was the truest of patriots. He had a strong commitment to people and spent his life serving the veterans. A mason for many years he supported the Scottish Rite Hospital and was the best example of a mason. He made the best Pecan and Apple Pie and spent many a winter night making pie and giving it to family and friends. Often days he would send me home with fruit - apples and oranges to bring to my children. Just one year younger than my father, he was like an adopted parent and grandparent to many of us.
Charles Cannon was one of the best people this world had to offer. He will always live in our hearts and minds.
