He was wounded at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, while serving aboard the USS South Dakota. During the battle, he helped in the fire control efforts aboard the South Dakota, but suffered shrapnel wounds in the process. For his actions in he was the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. However, his mother later revealed his age, and (after spending months in a brig _ he was not released until after his sister threatened to contact the newspapers) was dishonorably discharged for lying about his age and lost his disability benefits.
He later joined the Marines (at age 17), but his military career ended about three years later when he fell from a pier and broke his back.[1] (http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2003/11/07/features/seniors/a01b2c8e0fbb454d86256dcf00220180.txt)
"Although later Marine Corps service qualified him as a veteran, he spent the rest of his life fighting for medical benefits and a clean record. In 1978 he was awarded an honorable discharge; (After writing to Congress) all medals but his Purple Heart were reinstated. He received disability and back pay in 1988." [2] (http://ddiekman.tripod.com/id51.html)
His Purple Heart was reinstated and presented to his widow, Mary, nearly two years after his death. [3] (http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2003/11/07/features/seniors/a01b2c8e0fbb454d86256dcf00220180.txt)
His story came to public attention in 1988, when his story was told in the TV movie, Too Young a Hero. He was played by Rick Schroder.
Martha Graham is recognized as a primal artistic force of the 20th Century alongside Picasso, Stravinsky, James Joyce, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
In 1998 TIME Magazine named Martha Graham as the "Dancer of the Century," and People Magazine named her among the female "Icons of the Century." As a choreographer, she was as prolific as she was complex.
Her legacy is perpetuated in performance by the members of the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Martha Graham Ensemble, and by the students of the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.
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