Ora Graves

Gunner's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War I

Gunner's Mate Second Class Ora Graves (26 July 1896 - 28 September 1961) was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War I.

Ora Graves was born in Las Animas, CO, on 26 July 1896 and entered the Navy from Nebraska.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy.

Citation: For extraordinary heroism on 23 July 1917, while the U.S.S. Pittsburgh was proceeding to Buenos Aires, Argentina. A 3-inch saluting charge exploded, causing the death of C. T. Lyles, seaman. Upon the explosion, Graves was blown to the deck, but soon recovered and discovered burning waste on the deck. He put out the burning waste while the casemate was filled with clouds of smoke, knowing that there was more powder there which might explode.

Death and Burial

Gunner's Mate Second Class Ora Graves died on 28 September 1961. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. His gravesite is located in Section W, Grave 1208.