The 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission recently selected Magnolia resident Rev. Carlton Cannon as one of their 2023 Patriot Project honorees to represent the state of Delaware.

Vietnam Veteran Cannon, who served as a captain in the Marine Corps, will join other honorees for a week-long all-expense paid tribute tour of New York City, where they will be honored for their service and sacrifices.

Cannon, a combat wounded Veteran, served during the Seige at Khe Sanh, “TET 1968,” and currently serves the Church of God as Deputational Representative for Ministry to the Military.

“ God has blessed me to stand with other Purple Heart recipients who represent the very best of our nation, having put their lives on the line for America and the freedoms we all cherish,” Cannon said.

Cannon is also a member of the Dover Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Marine Corps League, Military Order Purple Heart, Veterans Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.

“Captain Cannon’s unassuming demeanor belies his amazing accomplishments both in uniform and out.” Eugenia Thornton, President of Dover MOAA, said. “We are so proud Carlton was selected for special recognition by a national veterans organization. He is extremely deserving.”

In addition to serving in combat during the Vietnam War, Cannon served at Camp Lejeune, NC., Navy Barracks, Philadelphia, Pa., Twentynine Palms, Ca., Iwakuni, and Okinawa, Japan.

Delaware Veterans Commissioner Doug Hudson, also a member of MOAA, said, “Congratulations to Rev. Carlton Cannon on his well-deserved recognition and service to our great nation.“

Cannon lives in Magnolia with his wife Lettie, shown with him at the Veterans Trust Fund Dinner last year.

MOAA meets on the third Thursday of Sept-May. See Dovermoaa.org for details and to join.

Figure 1 Marine Captain Carlton Cannon with wife Lettie at the 2022 Veterans Trust Fund Dinner. Photo by Col. Gene Thornton

In the background, Paul Davis and Bonita McCann.