John William Finn

At 0545 this morning in San Diego California, we lost John Finn. John Finn was the last surviving medal of honor winner from the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces.


The Citation reads as follows:


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.[6]


I was lucky enough to meet John Finn once in Fallon Nevada and remember being in awe of this great American. He earned the medal while serving as a Aviation Ordinance Chief Petty Officer in a PBY Squadron at Kanoehe Bay. He was 101 years old.

Rest in Peace Shipmate, enjoy your new duty station.