Canham, Charles D. W. (Charles Draper William), 1901-1963

Charles Draper William Canham (1901-1963) was born in Kola, Mississippi. He enlisted with the Regular Army in 1919. After graduating from West Point in 1926, he commissioned with the infantry. He served in the Philippines from 1931 to 1935. He graduated from Command and General Staff School in 1939. During World War II, he served as deputy chief of staff and then commanding officer of the 116th Infantry, 29th Infantry Division. He made brigadier general on the battlefield in August 1944. During the Korean War, he served as commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division in 1952 and as deputy commanding general of the Third Army from October 1952 to July 1953. He held the position of commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division from November 1953 until he became deputy commanding general of IX Corps in 1954. From January 1958, he was commanding general of XI Corps (Reserve) until his retirement in January 1961. His decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart.