John Finn, Medal of Honor Winner, Dies at 100

Lt. John William Finn, USN

Medal of Honor

His citation read: "For extraordinary heroism distinguished service, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty. During the first attack by Japanese airplanes on the Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lt. Finn promptly secured and manned a .50-caliber machinegun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machinegun strafing fire. Although painfully wounded many times, he continued to man this gun and to return the enemy's fire vigorously and with telling effect throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. It was only by specific orders that he was persuaded to leave his post to seek medical attention. Following first aid treatment, although obviously suffering much pain and moving with great difficulty, he returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the rearming of returning planes. His extraordinary heroism and conduct in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."


His wife, Alice, preceded him in 1998.  His survivors include his son, Joseph.

Alice and John Finn in 1933.

A true American hero.  We should make sure that our children know his name.  May he rest in peace.

Follow the title link for the story in the New York Times.

For more on Lt. Finn and other American heroes, go to www.homeofheroes.com/index.html