Posted July 1, 2018
James Eugene Canada, nicknamed “Jeep”, is a retired Marine who served three tours in two different wars. Wounded each time, he earned three purple hearts; one in the Korean War and the other two in Vietnam. Jeep spent 10 years at the Presbyterian Orphans’ Home. He and his siblings arrived at the Home in 1939 after the death of their mother. The Home was a working farm at the time, and Jeep’s responsibilities included taking care of the pigs. Jeep knew that joining the marines would help him get out of Lynchburg and build a career. Jeep was a member of the Chosin Few – the service men who were part of the decisive battle in the Korean War called the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. His experience is detailed in his book, We Few – We Chosin Few. Jeep is returning to Lynchburg for Homecoming this summer and looks forward to reminiscing and sharing his experience with other alumni.