Two Extraordinary Leaders in Four Photos
Major General Charles Canham pinning Master Sergeant stripes on Ola Mize.
Major General Charles Canham awarding the Medal of Honor to Ola Mize.
Mize later joined Army Special Forces where he gained a commission and served three tours during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1981 as a colonel. He died on March 12, 2014 at 82 years of age.
On June 10, 1953, Ola Mize and his unit were manning Outpost Harry near Surang-ni, Korea, when the post came under heavy enemy attack. Mize organized defensive positions, rescued wounded soldiers, and engaged the enemy until reinforcements arrived about noon the next day.
Ola Mize was subsequently promoted to Master Sergeant and, on September 24, 1954, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Outpost Harry by MG Charles Canham.
Canham was one of the pivotal (and very visible) leaders on Omaha Beach on D-Day. For his actions from Omaha Beach to the liberation of Saint Lô, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. Canham died on August 21, 1963, at the age of 62.
While I never met MG Canham, I did have the opportunity to meet Ola Mize on several occasions. Both men were incredible leaders and true warriors. Interesting to see these photos of them together.
