MAGNOLIA — The 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project, part of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, has named the Rev. Carlton Cannon its honoree representing Delaware.

A Vietnam veteran and former Marine Corps captain, the Rev. Cannon will join the other awardees for a weeklong tribute tour of New York City, in honor of their service and sacrifice.

He served during the siege at Khe Sanh and “TET 1968” before being wounded in combat. Presently, he is a deputation representative for the Church of God’s Ministry to the Military.

The Rev. Cannon also is a member of the Dover chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

“God has blessed me to stand with other Purple Heart recipients who represent the very best of our nation, having put their lives on the line for America and the freedoms we all cherish,” he said.

Eugenia Thornton, president of the Dover branch of MOAA, praised the Rev. Cannon’s dedication.

“Capt. Cannon’s unassuming demeanor belies his amazing accomplishments, both in uniform and out,” she said. “We are so proud Carlton was selected for special recognition by a national veterans organization. He is extremely deserving.”

In addition to seeing combat during the Vietnam War, the Marine served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; in the Navy barracks in Philadelphia; at Twentynine Palms, California; and in Iwakuni and Okinawa, Japan.

Delaware Veterans Commissioner Doug Hudson, another member of the Military Officers Association of America, also applauded the accomplishment.

“Congratulations to Rev. Carlton Cannon on his well-deserved recognition and service to our great nation,” he said.

The Dover MOAA chapter meets on the third Thursday of each September through May. For information, visit dovermoaa.org.