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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Lieutenant John William Finn, USN, (1909-____)
John William Finn was born in Los Angeles, California, on 23
July 1909. He enlisted in the Navy in July 1926 and was a Chief
Petty Officer serving at Naval Air Station Kanoehe Bay, Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii on 7 December 1941, during the Japanese
air raid that struck that facility and others on Oahu. Chief
Finn manned a machine gun and effectively fired on the enemy planes
despite the receipt of several painful wounds. For his heroism
at that time, he was awarded the Medal
of Honor.
In June 1942, Finn was temporarily commissioned as an Ensign,
rising in rank to Lieutenant two years later. During his service
as an officer, he served with Bombing Squadron 102, at several
stateside training facilities and on board the aircraft carrier
Hancock (CV-19). Following transfer to the Fleet Reserve
in March 1947, he reverted to the enlisted rate of Chief Aviation
Ordnanceman. In September 1956, he was placed on the Retired List
in the rank of Lieutenant.
This page features our only view of Lieutenant John William
Finn, USN.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 95448
Chief Aviation Ordnanceman John William Finn, USN
Who was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism
and distinguished service during the 7 December 1941 Japanese
air attack on Naval Air Station Kanoehe Bay, Oahu, T.H. He is
wearing the medal in this photograph.
Halftone reproduction, copied from the official publication "Medal
of Honor, 1861-1948, The Navy", page 183.
U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
Online Image: 65KB; 580 x 765 pixels |
 |
Medal of Honor citation of Lieutenant John William Finn
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor,
1861-1949, The Navy", page 183):
"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, Kanoehe
Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lieutenant Finn promptly secured and
manned a 50-caliber machine gun mounted on an instruction stand
in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was
under heavy enemy machine-gun 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 United States Naval
Service." |
NOTES:
To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here
are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded
and used for any purpose.
Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit
lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center".
Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval
History and Heritage Command".
Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page.
Page made 30 December 2000
Coding updated 3 October 2009