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Photo # NH 105317:  Seaman Ora Graves, USN

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Gunner's Mate Second Class Ora Graves, USN, (1896-1961)

Ora Graves was born on 26 July 1896 in Las Animas, Colorado. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the state of Nebraska and served on board USS Pittsburgh during World War I. On 23 July 1917 Seaman Graves demonstrated "extraordinary heroism" following an ordnance accident on board his ship, which was then en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his conduct on this occasion. Later achieving the rank of Gunner's Mate Second Class, Ora Graves died on 28 September 1961 and is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.

This page features the only image we have concerning Ora Graves.


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Photo #: NH 105317

Seaman Ora Graves, USN


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 116.
Ora Graves received the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism" after an explosion on board USS Pittsburgh (Armored Cruiser #4) on 23 July 1917.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 52KB; 590 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Seaman Ora Graves (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 116):

"For extraordinary heroism on 23 July 1917, while the U.S.S. Pittsburgh was proceeding to Buenos Aires, Argentina. A 3-inch saluting charge exploded, causing the death of C. T. Lyles, seaman. Upon the explosion, GRAVES was blown to the deck, but soon recovered and discovered burning waste on the deck. He put out the burning waste while the casemate was filled with clouds of smoke, knowing that there was more powder there which might explode."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 19 November 2007