21 Comments
User's avatar
Mark E Johnson's avatar

Just a boy doing a man's job and actions above and beyond reason. RIP, Pvt Kanell.

Expand full comment
Edward Jones's avatar

Some people are just born to be exceptional giving souls. Gene Kanell seems like he was one of those people. RIP Pvt. Kanell, you’ve earned it since the day you were born. 🕊️

❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Expand full comment
Samuel Vanderburg's avatar

Kanell lived a lifestyle of love and respect which continued in his military service. His incredible actions are inexplicable otherwise. I read a quote of another great man that said, "Wars do not make men great, but they do bring out the greatness in good men. " Dick Winters knew what he spoke. Kanell was indeed a great man. May he rest in peace.

Thanks again, Tara Ross, for sharing this remembrance of a great American.

Expand full comment
Jim's avatar

No Greater love than this ....seemed to be his Motto RIP SOLDIER 🙏🏼!Thank you Tara for another wonderful MOH!😉😊

Expand full comment
Wally Firkins's avatar

It is very difficult to imagine Billie Kanell grabbing either of those grenades and shielding his fellow soldiers with his own body. But to grab the second one seems unimaginable. Rest in peace Hero. Thank you Tara for another MOH Monday. Mr. Kanells brave actions undoubtedly saved lives.

Expand full comment
Charlie Kendall's avatar

Thank you Pvt Kanell for saving your fellow soldiers. They will never forget you, nor will your country.

Expand full comment
Patty's avatar

Hard to comprehend what strength of character Pfc. Kanell and others like him had to courageously sacrifice themselves for others. His care for his younger siblings was a sign of his gee heart. So thankful for men and women of his caliber.

Expand full comment
Jack Miller's avatar

Yes we all do. "Just a few weeks ago, Lt. Colonel Jim Medley, an officer at the Missouri Military Academy, spoke of Kanell at a Memorial Day ceremony. “It’s our responsibility as Veterans and citizens to carry his and the over one million heroes torch forward,” Medley concluded, “to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain.". Thanks Tara for sharing so I can.

Expand full comment
Phyllis Stallins's avatar

All Honor to Pvt. Kanell. Giving his all so his fellow soldiers could live. Thanks Tara.

Expand full comment
Steve Foe's avatar

Amazing, not once but twice! Unbelievable!

Expand full comment
Gregory Keller ⁷'s avatar

Another sad story about an American hero and his sacrifice. It breaks my heart see our corrupt government sending young men to die, just to line their pockets with more wealth. Afghanistan and Iraq, Korea, Vietnam. What did we gain or accomplish? We assured another generation will hate us and the war machine grinds on. Watch the movie "The Covenant" and ask why Joe Biden abandoned Bagram and the people we promised to protect? Who now controls Afghanistan? The Taliban, and the atrocities continue, yet American media doesn't say a word. This man died to stop the spread of communism, and we have college students who support the failed ideology of socialism. This man died for his brothers. 58,000 men died in Vietnam so the elitist could profit from the war. How many died and were permanently scarred in Iraq and Afghanistan? For what? Are the citizens of Iraq better today? War is about money.

Expand full comment
James M Airesman's avatar

Thank you, Tara.

Expand full comment
Bruce Barlond's avatar

Private Kanell gave his ALL for his fellow soldiers, again and again!!

We must never forget what Kanell and very many others have done for our nation and future generations!!

Thank you, Tara, for this story of the ultimate sacrifice!

Expand full comment
David K Thiel's avatar

To grab one grenade may very well have been an instinctive, unthinking, reaction. But the second one, he knew exactly what he was doing and what would happen next. Wow! RIP, Pvt. Kanell.

Expand full comment
David Brumbaugh's avatar

Billie Kanell seemed to have had a mind and soul that sought to protect and help his kindred, whether family or fellow servivice members that he carried with him through out his life. Such being the case, his actions that day aren't really a surprise, however his actions day, and he should be remembered.

Expand full comment
Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

If I'd survived the first grenade, I'd have run from the other one!

Expand full comment