 On December 7th, 1941, more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives at Pearl Harbor in an early morning sneak attack by the Empire of Japan. But Pearl Harbor wasn't the only location attacked that day. This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Marines stationed at Midway were also met by heavy fire from two Japanese Navy destroyers. One man's actions would make him the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II. First Lieutenant George Ham Cannon's command post was hit with a 5-inch, 130-millimeter shell. He refused to leave despite being mortally wounded by shrapnel. He directed, reorganized his post, and evacuated his men until he was forcibly removed. By the time he received medical attention, it was too late. Cannon is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Semper Fidelis Marine