Boys as young as 12 were lying about their age to enlist in both World Wars. Across All Nations. And some paid the ultimate price in doing so.

A couple examples of boys who lied about their age.

WW2: Calvin Graham was a 12 year old who lied about his age and enlisted with the U.S Navy. He’d be posted aboard the USS South Dakota where he’d earn the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for actions under fire during Naval Actions in the waters of Guadalcanal. He’d survive the war. Largely due to his Mother who’d report him to the Navy.

WW1: John Condon was a 13 year old Irish Boy when he lied about his age to enlist in the British Army in 1913. He was 15 when he was killed during the 2nd Battle of Ypres. Becoming one of the youngest recognized Combat Death among British Forces during WW1. His family had no idea what happened to him until the British Government contacted them.

Boys as young as 12 were lying about their age to enlist in both World Wars. Across All Nations. And some paid the ultimate price in doing so.

A couple examples of boys who lied about their age.

WW2: Calvin Graham was a 12 year old who lied about his age and enlisted with the U.S Navy. He’d be posted aboard the USS South Dakota where he’d earn the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for actions under fire during Naval Actions in the waters of Guadalcanal. He’d survive the war. Largely due to his Mother who’d report him to the Navy.

WW1: John Condon was a 13 year old Irish Boy when he lied about his age to enlist in the British Army in 1913. He was 15 when he was killed during the 2nd Battle of Ypres. Becoming the youngest recognized Combat Death among British Forces during WW1. His family had no idea what happened to him until the British Government contacted them.