John Davis (Medal of Honor, 1898)

John Davis (October 28, 1877 – June 9, 1970) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

John Davis
Born(1877-10-28)October 28, 1877
Germany
DiedJune 9, 1970(1970-06-09) (aged 92)
Place of burial
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branchUnited States Navy
RankLieutenant Commander
UnitU.S.S. Marblehead
Battles / warsSpanish–American War
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

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Grave at Arlington National Cemetery

Davis was born October 28, 1877, in Germany, and after entering the navy he was sent as a Gunner's Mate Third Class to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the USS Marblehead (C-11)).[1]

Davis was warranted as a boatswain on May 16, 1904, and was promoted to the chief boatswain on May 16, 1910. During World War I received a temporary promotion to lieutenant on July 1, 1918.

He was the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Spanish–American War when he died June 9, 1970, at the age of 92. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.[2]

Medal of Honor citation

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Rank and organization: Gunner's Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy. Place and date: On board U.S.S. Marblehead at Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Born: 28 October 1877, Germany. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead, during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Davis set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Davis, John". Medal of Honor recipients, War With Spain. United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  2. ^ "Davis, John (Point of Interest) II, 639-SS". ANC Explorer. Arlington National Cemetery. (Official website).
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