John Davis

Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Lieutenant Commander John Davis (28 October 1878 - 9 June 1970) was a U.S. Navy officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

John Davis was born 28 October 1878 in Germany, and after entering the Navy was sent as a Gunner's Mate Third Class to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the USS Marblehead.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Gunner's Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy

Place and date: Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898

Citation: On board the USS 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.

Death and Burial

Lieutenant Commander John Davis was the last living Spanish-American War recipient of the Medal of Honor when he died on 9 June 1970 at age 92. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 11, Lot 639-SS.