Charles Canham enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 May 1919. He shipped to France on 13 Jun 1919 as a Field Artillery PVT with the 33rd Company Camp Meade Replacement Unit. Returning to the United States, he married Alma Isabelle Brayton on 18 Aug 1920. By 30 Jun 1921 he was a SGT in the 19th Field Artillery Battalion. SGT Canham tested for and was accepted to the United States Military Academy (West Point) preparatory school and was appointed to USMA effective 1 Jul 1921, graduated in 1926 and commissioned as 2LT 12 Jun 1926. Charles' and Alma's first son was born in January 1922 His first assignment was to Fort Benjamin Harrison. It was there that his second was born March 1925 followed by a third son in July 1927. In May 1928 he was sent to Camp Knox, Kentucky as the camp personnel adjutant. He attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia in September 1930 graduating in June 1931. 2LT Canham then departed New York on 19 Aug 1931 and arrived in Manial on 3 Oct 1931. He served a period of time in the Philippines and then in Shanghai, China. During this period he was pomoted to 1LT on 26 Feb 1932 and promoted to CPT 12 Jun 1936.
CPT Canham was assigned to Fort Francis E. Warren, Cheyenne, Wyoming 1937 followed by assignments at Fort Leavenworth, Fort Devens and Providence, Rhode Island. He was promoted to MAJ on 31 Jan 1941 and assigned to European Theater of Operations (ETO) where he was made Deputy Chief of Staff of the 29th Infantry Division. He was promoted to LTC on 1 Feb 1942. LTC Canham was promoted to COL 7 Mar 1943 and assumed command of 116th Infantry Regiment. COL Canham led the 116th Infantry Regiment on 6 Jun 1944 (D-Day) and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his actions in leading troops while wounded. The citation reads as follows:
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of
Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished
Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Charles Draper William Canham,
United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding
Officer, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action
against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. Colonel Canham
landed on the beach shortly after the assault wave of troops had
landed. At the time, the enemy fire was at its heaviest and had
completely arrested the attack. Though wounded shortly after landing,
Colonel Canham, with utter disregard for his own safety, continued to
expose himself to the enemy fire in his efforts to reorganize the men.
His personal bravery and determination so inspired and heartened the men
that they were able to break through the enemy positions. Colonel
Canham's outstanding leadership, gallantry and zealous devotion to duty
exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United
States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 29th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army."
Promoted BG 1 Aug 1944 and assigned as Assistant Division Commander of 8th Infantry Division. 8th Infantry Division Commander. It was while he was the ADC of 8th Division that BG Canham was sent to accept the surrender of the German forces in Brest. When General Ramcke asked him for his credentials BG Canham pointed to his accompanying soldiers and said, "These are my credentials." Widely reported at the time, the phrase has become the motto of the 8th Infantry Division.
He continued to serve with the 8th Infantry Division after the war's end and then in December 1945 assumed duties as ADC 4th Infantry Division. Sometime about May 1947, he was assigned as ADC of the 82nd Airborne Division. Late in 1949 BG Canham assumed command of the port of embarkation Bremmerhaven. On 5 Jun 1952 BG Canham was promoted to MG and assumed command of 82nd Airborne Division. Reported as being in Pusan, Republic of Korea on 26 Jan 1953 end of tour in Pusan, ROK. In October 1952 he was named Deputy Commander 3rd Army and in 1953 named for promotion to MG and assumed command of the 3rd Army with headquarters at Fort McPherson, Georgia.
Then from December 1954 to sometime in 1958 he served as Director of the Army Council of Review Boards after which he assumed command of the 11th U.S. Army Corps (Reserve) in Saint Louis, Missouri. MG Canham retired on 31 Jan 1961. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Purple Heart.
MG Canham died of an unspecified lung ailment on 21 Aug 1963 and he was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. He was survived by his wife, sons and their families.
Note: the published date of this memorial is the 50th anniversary of his passing.
