Statement on Passing of War Hero John Finn, Medal of Honor Recipient (Duncan D. Hunter)

Washington DC – Medal of Honor recipient and East County San Diego resident John Finn died today at the age of 100. Finn received the Medal of Honor for actions during Pearl Harbor and was recognized as the oldest living recipient of our nation’s highest military honor.

“This is a sad day for our nation and the San Diego community,” said Congressman Hunter. “John was humble, never considering himself much of a hero but, to everyone else, he was part of a special class of American heroes who will forever be remembered for their service and sacrifice. His story will continue inspiring generations to come while also reminding us all about the contributions and sacrifices of America’s greatest generation.

“I am proud to have called John a friend and greatly appreciate the opportunity to have represented him in Congress.”

John Finn was stationed at Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite being severely wounded, he fired a .50-caliber machine gun from an exposed position for more than two hours.

FINN, JOHN WILLIAM

Rank: Lieutenant

Organization: U.S. Navy

Company:

Division:

Born: 24 July 1909, Los Angeles, Calif.

Departed: No

Entered Service At: California

G.O. Number:

Date of Issue:

Accredited To:

Place / Date: Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941

Citation

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, Lt. Finn promptly secured and manned a .50-caliber machinegun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machinegun 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 U.S. Naval Service.

OK, I just gotta Hooah Lt. Finn. The men of your generation were BAD ASS! I often lament on the pussification of the “men” in this day and age save servicemembers and true conservatives. Give me a real man any day. Our nation has lost a treasure and true hero.

I too am glad to live in a country that produces such fine men.

I read somewhere that he said something like “I can’t be sure that I hit a single plane, but I AM sure that I shot at every one I saw.”

Remember Pearl Harbor — Keep America Alert!

(Now deceased) America’s oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, living his 101st year is former enlisted Chief Petty Officer, Aviation Chief Ordnanceman (ACOM), later wartime commissioned Lieutenant John W. Finn, U. S. Navy (Ret.). He is also the last surviving Medal of Honor, “The Day of Infamy”, Japanese Attack on the Hawaiian Islands, Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.

Visit my photo album tribute:

http://news.webshots.com/album/141695570BONFYl

San Diego, California

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