A Medal of Honor recipient and lieutenant who displayed extraordinary heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor, earning the nation's highest military honor for his bravery.
John William Finn is renowned for receiving the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his extraordinary bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II. On December 7, 1941, Finn, a chief petty officer and aviation ordnanceman, demonstrated unwavering courage by firing a machine gun from an exposed position throughout the attack, despite being repeatedly wounded.
Finn was born on July 24, 1909, in Compton, California. He dropped out of school after the seventh grade and enlisted in the Navy in July 1926, shortly before his seventeenth birthday. After completing recruit training in San Diego, he attended General Aviation Utilities Training at Naval Station Great Lakes, graduating in December 1926.
Finn's naval career spanned over three decades, during which he served on several ships, including USS Lexington, USS Houston, USS Jason, USS Saratoga, and USS Cincinnati. He was promoted to chief petty officer (E7), the highest enlisted rank in the Navy at the time, in 1935 after only nine years of active duty.
On December 7, 1941, Finn's Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay was attacked by the Japanese. Despite being wounded multiple times, he refused to retreat, firing a machine gun from an exposed position to defend his comrades. His selfless actions inspired others to continue fighting, and his bravery undoubtedly saved numerous lives.
Finn's Medal of Honor citation reads: "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, Chief Finn, after being wounded, repeatedly returned to the machine gun and continued to fire at the enemy until ordered to leave."
After receiving the Medal of Honor, Finn continued to serve in the Navy, eventually rising to the rank of lieutenant before retiring in 1956. In his later years, he made numerous appearances at events celebrating veterans, inspiring generations with his courage and dedication.
At the time of his passing on May 27, 2010, Finn was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, the last living recipient from the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the last living United States Navy recipient of World War II.
John William Finn's remarkable story serves as a testament to the bravery and selflessness of those who serve in the armed forces. His legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the importance of courage, duty, and sacrifice.
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