Oldest ‘Medal of Honour’ Recipient - John Finn Dies

May 28th, 2010 - 7:14 pm ICT by Pen Men At Work  

May 28, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): John Finn, a retired Navy Lieutenant, died Thursday, May 27. He had received America’s highest military award – the Medal of Honor – for bravely defending the sailors during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour during World War II.

Finn had received the Medal of Honor on September 15, 1942. He was the oldest surviving military personnel of the 97 recipients of Medal of Honor. He died aged 100 at nursing home for veterans in Chula Vista.

Finn who was the chief of ordnance/ arms for an air squadron for the war, had continuously fired a .50-caliber machine gun from an uncovered position as bullets and bombs bombarded the Naval Air Station in Oahu, even though he was seriously injured at the time.

Finn, born in July 1909, had joined the US Navy just before he could turn 17. He retired from the Navy in 1956, after serving his nation for three decades.

According to Lt. Aaron Kakiel, Lt. Finn was a great inspiration and example not just for aviation ordnance men but also the whole Navy.

As per Lt. Kakiel’s statement, Lt. Finn will be buried with full military honours and that details are being worked out with his (Finn’s) family members.

Even President Barack Obama, who had the honour of meeting Lt. Finn last year, was touched by his warmth and modesty. The President also thinks that lat Lt. Finn has set an excellent example to the people who aspire to join the US military. The US President is of the opinion that Lt. Finn is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the previous generations to safeguard the freedom which are cherished by the citizens.

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