Kanell dedication remembers past, embraces future

Betty Pruitt, the sister of Pvt. Billy Kanell, is presented with an American flag in rememberance of her brother.

DAR/B. Kay Richter

On Sept. 7, 1951, Pvt. Billie G. Kanell of Poplar Bluff gave the ultimate sacrifice while in his service to his country. He had been stationed near Pyonggang, Korea, while serving with Company I, 35th Infantry Regiment, part of the 25th Infantry Division.

According to witnesses, Kanell threw himself upon a grenade when his division had come under attack. His body absorbed the blast and in the aftermath had protected two of his comrades from injury.

A few seconds later, another grenade was launched, and although he was already seriously wounded, Kanell used his body again to protect his comrades in the field.

A bench honoring Private Bille Kanell was dedicated during a formal ceremony on Sunday afternoon outside of the Poplar Bluff Museum.

Fast forward to today. Just outside of the Poplar Bluff Museum lies a concrete bench with a dedication to Pvt. Kanell, donated by his sister Betty Pruitt.

The bench is a dual remembrance and homage to Kanell for his courageous act and to honor his Congressional Medal of Honor, which was awarded posthumously.

“This bench sits out in front of the museum on Main Street for all to see. We want the entire city to see and know and remember; the museum is proud to be a caretaker of Kanell’s Medal of Honor,” museum board member Mike Shane said during the formal ceremony Sunday afternoon.

The family members of Kanell gathered during the ceremony for the formal dedication. Pruitt said a few words celebrating the life of her brother, in addition to sharing her early memories of him.

“Billy was born on June 26, 1931, on a Friday evening at 5 o’clock. It was a day much like this but not with this much wind,” Pruitt said. “But it was a beautiful, sunshiny day.” Pruitt not only shared her very early memories of her brother but also provided a full depiction of his life in Poplar Bluff, while noting that her brother “always had a protective nature about him.”

According to Pruitt, Kanell mailed his watch and other personal belongings home after he finished basic training in Hawaii.

“Our mother was instructed to wear his watch and she had a couple of links taken out. I am going to give the watch to the museum,” she said.

The flag dedication by the Poplar High School JROTC “Billie Kanell Battalion” were also part of the ceremony, along with a few members of the high school’s choir.

Members of the Poplar Bluff High School’s JROTC “Billie Kanell Battalion” present an American flag to the family of Private Kanell on Sunday afternoon.