Captain Aquilla A. Calhoun

Headstone of Captain Aquilla A. Calhoun, Jr. at the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial

Captain Aquilla A. Calhoun, Jr.

Captain Aquilla A. Calhoun, Jr. and Lillian Luke Calhoun

University of Florida Class of 1941

"In Memoriam" Section of The Seminole, 1947

Captain Aquilla A. Calhoun, a Panama City native, was born in 1922 to Fannie N. Calhoun and Aquilla A. Calhoun Sr.[1] Prior to his enlistment Calhoun attended the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts early June 1940. He was the recipient of the 1940-41 James Miller Leake Medal in American History for outstanding educational excellence.[2] While in attendance at the University Calhoun was a member of the Florida Blue Key, the “campus’ highest honorary and leadership fraternity.”[3] Calhoun’s extracurricular activities speak to his charismatic and energetic nature. In his spare time, he served as head cheerleader, was “on the executive committee of the Gator Pep Club for three years,” and played various sports.[4] Aside from athletics, this spritely young man took an interest in campus involvement. He further extended himself towards all facets of campus life. A few recognizable organizations are: Young Democrats, Glee Club, student government, and Kappa Sigma fraternity.[5] 

After graduation, Calhoun enlisted as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves.[6] Two years later Calhoun and Lillian Luke announced their marriage. Luke, an Alabama native, graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute and was a member of Kappa Delta National sorority.[7] At the time of his marriage, Calhoun was with the 92^nd Field Artillery, 2^nd Armored Division in Fort Benning, Georgia.[8] Following his enlistment, Calhoun and his wife moved to 1415 Wynnton Drive, Columbus, Georgia.[9]  

 The U.S. Army formed the “the Brave Cannons” and assigned them to the 2^nd Armored Division in response to American entry into World War II.[10]  This is the unit that Calhoun eventually joined. After training at Fort Benning, the unit first went to North Africa. There, Calhoun and the Brave Cannons took part in an assault that swept through Sicily.[11] After the Omaha Beach Normandy Invasion in June of 1944[12], Calhoun made his way to Northern France and played a vital role in the liberation of Bresles, France.[13] Captain Calhoun died on August 31^st, 1944.[14] For his bravery and sacrifice Calhoun received a Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.[15]  His death led to the creation of a tribute site and memorial in his honor.[16] Captain Aquilla A. Calhoun lives on in the memories of the people of Bresles and those who honor him each year. The annual reenactment, expositions, and special ceremonies hosted in Bresles remember his sacrifice. [17]