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<p><em>William Phipps “Will” Cannon</em> entered West Point directly from Abilene High School, which was known at the time for its great football teams. Will’s father was Otey H. Cannon, his mother was Waurene Tittle Cannon, and her brother, Jimmy Tittle, survives as Will’s favorite uncle. Will’s strength was not football but in his fantastic writing ability. He had a quick mind, possessed a sense of humor with a sharp wit, and was strong and sufficiently athletic to handle the rigors of cadet life. His interests at the Academy included the Debate Council, the KDET radio station, the Parachute Club, and the Rifle Club. </p>
<p>When winter arrived at West Point, Will quickly learned that he did not like the cold. The wind from the north would scream down the Hudson River and slam into Company A-1, which lined up for formations next to the Plain. The river was sometimes frozen, making the impact worse. This experience probably led to Houston, TX being Will’s choice for a legal career after the military.</p>
<p>Air Force Blue was available to our Class of 1962 and was chosen by Will. His roommate wrote in the <em>Howitzer</em> yearbook, “The Air Force gains a man admired by everyone.” President John F. Kennedy spoke at Graduation, and then the members of the class were off as new lieutenants to our initial training and assignments. Will started in the Strategic Missile Wing as an intelligence officer, then, in 1964, was assigned to an air commando squadron and later posted to Vietnam. In Vietnam he was made an honorary member of the Montagnard Tribe, an achievement of which Will was particularly proud. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat, and three commendation medals. He also received the Air Medal for flying on more than 25 combat missions.</p>
<p>Combat can challenge soldiers both unexpectedly and suddenly. On July 18, 1965, Will accompanied his commanding general for a reconnaissance of potential new locations outside of Tan Son Nhut AFB for a build-up of forces. Brigadier General George Simler, USAF, sat in one seat of his vehicle, Will, now his aide-de-camp, sat in another. They were stopped by a roadblock, which quickly became an ambush with a machine gun and 10 to 15 men in black with rifles and some with helmets. Will rolled out of the vehicle, engaged the ambush by himself, and disrupted the enemies’ effort. When the attackers became disorganized, the general and his driver were able to speed off, which was Will’s desire, leaving Will alone. Will later made his way back to a friendly area as a rescue mission was being organized. For these actions, General Simler wrote a letter nominating Will for the Medal of Honor for heroism. As the general recalled, “In all of my years in the United States Air Force I have never before seen an individual of any rank conduct himself with such selfless individual courage and with such complete disregard for his own life and safety.” This nomination was reviewed again post 9/11 and it was determined that there was not enough firsthand information to meet the strict requirements for the Medal of Honor award. However, there is no doubt that Will lived a life of moral and physical courage both in and out of the military. He was a true leader of character. </p>
<p>After being honorably discharged as a captain from the United States Air Force in 1966, Will entered law school at the University of Houston. In 1970 he started his practice of law in Houston, a town he described as “the litigation capital of the world.” His work included being chief of the Trial Section for Shell Oil Company. During his career his resume included trying over 300 lawsuits to a jury verdict.</p>
<p>He met Jane McEldowney in October 1988 in Houston; they were married and later became partners in the Cannon Mediation Group, which has continued under Jane McEldowney and their excellent staff. While retaining his sense of humor, Will exhibited a love of dogs, books, music and art. His favorite son is Scott William Cannon, his favorite daughter is Kristin Cannon Kirby, his favorite grandchild is Tindal Malinak Kirby, and Jane is his love until the end of time. On August 8, 1990, Will commissioned his brother-in-law, John McEldowney, as an officer in the United States Air Force and pinned his lieutenant bars onto his uniform. John retired as a lieutenant colonel in the USAF.</p>
<p>Will entered a hospital on October 23, 2019 for major surgery wearing his West Point Jersey and his Class of ’62 ring. This was his last day with us. For this cadet from Abilene, this classmate from Company A-1, this combat hero, this recognized lawyer and esteemed mediator in Texas, this loving father and husband, be it said, “Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.” </p>
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