John Davis (Medal of Honor, 1898)


John Davis was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Biography

Davis was born October 28, 1877 in Germany, and after entering the navy he was sent as a Gunner's Mate Third Class to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the USS Marblehead.
He was the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Spanish–American War when he died June 9, 1970 at the age of 92. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia and his grave can be found in section 11, lot 639-SS.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Gunner's Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy. Place and date: On board U.S.S. Marblehead at Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Born: 28 October 1877, Germany. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.
Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Marblehead, during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Davis set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.